Willem Bastiaan Tholen (Amsterdam 1860-1931 The Hague)

In 1890 Tholen moved with his wife into the Kanaalvilla near de Witte Brug, situated along the canal running from The Hague to Scheveningen. Here they lived together with the artist Paul Arntzenius (1883-1965), his wife and their six children. During this period Tholen often worked in the Scheveningsche Boschjes, an area close to his home. The Boschjes were a popular place for families and children to visit. In the present lot Tholen depicted the activities of the women relaxing in the sun, whilst the children play in the sand. There is a certain light, moving and playful character in which Tholen depicts his subjects. Similarities to the work of the Amsterdam Impressionists are visible in style and execution, the rapid treatment of brightly coloured paint produces an impressionistic result. The busy children's playground in this picturesque setting is partly shaded from the sun by old trees that create a beautiful dappled effect where the sunlight hits the sand and the playing children.

Another work by Tholen with a similar composition is in the collection of the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, titled Kinderspeelplaats (Scheveningse Boschjes), (on paper, 445 x 595 mm, where dated 1888, inv. no. A2336). A few other drawings and a small oil sketch of this subject are known, however the present lot is the only known painting which is on such a large canvas and so detailed.