Matthijs Maris (Dutch)

Dutch painter Matthijs Maris (1839–1917) initially achieved renown for his work in the style of the Hague School, like his famous brothers, Jacob and Willem. However, early in his career he chose a poetic direction, which led past mystical cityscapes and fairy-tale scenes, to culminate in introvert, symbolist themes. Accordingly, his painting and drawing technique resulted in progressively vague representations. At the end of the 19th century, Matthijs Maris was seen internationally as an important innovator in the field of painting; he was admired by collectors and artists like Vincent van Gogh and Jan Toorop. Despite his success, Maris became increasingly bitter, spending his latter years as a recluse in his London studio.

This standard work, written by art historian Richard Bionda, presents – by way of six essays and eighty paintings, drawings, etchings and applied art – the first complete picture of this exceptional and undeservedly forgotten artist.