Kees Verwey: in the studio and portraits of women

Kees Verwey: in the studio and portraits of women

The Verwey Rooms focus on two beloved themes of Haarlem artist Kees Verwey. Step into the wondrous world of his studio and meet the women who played a significant role in his life. Together, the studio pieces and portraits of women offer an intimate glimpse into Kees Verwey's life and artistry.

In the studio

In the 17th-century canal house at Spaarne 108, a narrow wooden staircase leads to the legendary studio of Kees Verwey. This unique space—which Verwey himself called his "Himalaya"—is located on the first floor, facing the street. Thanks to the northeasterly light, it's the perfect space for painting.

In this studio, Verwey painted countless cityscapes, landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. The interior holds a special place in Verwey's work. It is immortalized in his famous studio still lifes and was captured by photographer Nico Koster in 1976.

Special loan

Two impressive studio interiors, temporarily on loan from the ABN AMRO art collection, complete this presentation. Along with personal objects from the studio, the studio pieces and Nico Koster's photo series offer an intimate and multi-layered glimpse into Verwey's artistic life.

Portraits of women

Kees Verwey paints numerous portraits of women. These are often women from his immediate circle, but he also works on commission. Most of his portraits are of his mother, Jacqueline Bienfait, his wife, Jeanne Tilbusscher, and his good friend, sculptor Charlotte van Pallandt; they play an important role in his life.

Verwey had a close bond with his mother, and he called his wife, Jeanne Tilbusscher, his guardian angel and muse. In his portraits, he looks at his models with an open and unbiased gaze. At the same time, he has a keen eye for form and color.