Floris Arntzenius (Surabaya 1864-1925 The Hague)

Arntzenius' paintings reflect the sophisticated atmosphere of The Hague around the turn of the century. He gave preference to modest sized canvases, emphasizing the intimate character of streets such as the Spui- or the Wagenstraat, with figures hurrying over the wet and shiny asphalt past illuminated shop windows and colourful sign-boards. He loved to work outside in the streets and make sketches and studies of various streets in The Hague - which delivered him the nickname of: 'Straatjesschilder'. The present lot, A view of the Spuistraat, is a beautiful example of the streets in The Hague where Arntzenius was known for. Arntzenius captures the light and atmosphere of a rainy day with a variety of figures, and the dynamic representation of the buildings, are all instrumental in creating a beautifully balanced composition.