Nicolaas van der Waay (Amsterdam 1855-1936)

Van der Waay was renowned for his captivating impressionist city views of Amsterdam in which he captured the cosmopolitan and mundaine side of city life (see also lot 316). Depicted are the gardens of Artis Natura Magistra, founded in 1838 as a society for the emerging bourgeoisie of Amsterdam, today better known as Artis, zoo of Amsterdam. At the end of the 19th century outdoor concerts were held at their premises. These 'Vrijdagavondconcerten', or Friday night concerts, attracted many visitors from Amsterdam and its surroundings. In the present lot the pause halfway the concert is captured with elegantly dressed visitors resting on the outdoor terrace amidst the trees of the park.