catalog text
"SLEEPING BABY" BY SIPKE 'CORNELIS' KOOL (DUTCH, 1836-1902)
In oil on artist panel; signed lower right "S. Kool"
Item # 003PNW10Q
A rich and romantic interior scene capturing domestic life in a small peasant home, it is a delightful scene that depicts a humble but comfortable space. It captures the joy and exhaustion of a new baby as the infant rests in the wooden cradle while mother sleeps in the bed; both lie under the watchful eye of a seated woman with her tea cup and kettle at the ready. The palette is complex with a wonderful blending of colors in a loosely impressionistic manner that unfolds slowly as you look closely at each figure. Executed on a wooden artist panel with chamfered back edges, it is signed lower right "S. Kool".
Sipke Cornelis Kool was born in Leeuwarden, Holland in 1836, where he lived until 1857 when he moved to The Hague to study under Christoffel Bishop, a painter of genre and historical scenes.
The influence of Bishop in his work is evident with a distinct taste for intricately detailed interior scenes that are exacting in accuracy and rich with color. His work tended to focus on Frisian subjects at work in their homes, either preparing meals, baking, weaving or working with cloth and mothers with children.
He left The Hague in 1861, traveling thereafter to Rijswijk and Rome, finally settling in Amsterdam and living there from 1870 through 1893. During his travels, he stretched his ouvre to include Italian landscapes and Biblical scenes. He then moved to Amstelveen and finally settled in Blaricum in 1896, living there through his death in 1902.
Artist Listings & Further Reading:
- LITERATURE
Measurements: 13 3/4" H x 18 3/8" W [panel]; 26 1/8" H x 30 3/4" W x 3 3/4" D [frame]
Condition Report:
Period and likely original giltwood and gesso frame with gilt loss, some cracking and losses; overall frame is in good condition and compliments the painting beautifully. Surface of painting was cleaned at some point and remains in excellent condition, though it may brighten slightly with a cleaning. Very light surface craquelure. In overall excellent presentation-ready condition.