Betsy Repelius - Washing woman

An atmospheric 19th-century oil painting on canvas by the Amsterdam painter Johanna Elisabeth (Betsy) Repelius (1848–1921) .


The work depicts a woman washing linen in a simple interior. The scene is executed in warm earth tones, with striking red and blue color accents and a loose, characteristic brushwork.


The painting is signed in the lower left corner and set in a richly ornamented, gold-colored frame.


About the artist – Betsy Repelius (1848–1921)


Betsy Repelius was a Dutch painter, born and died in Amsterdam. She grew up in a wealthy family and developed into an independent artist, specializing in portraits, genre scenes, and interiors.


From 1867 to 1872, she took painting lessons from the Amsterdam artist Petrus Franciscus Greive. Subsequently, she studied at the Royal Academy of Art in Amsterdam, where she met, among others, the renowned portrait painter Thérèse Schwartze .


Repelius was part of the Amsterdam art scene and was a member of the artists' association Arti et Amicitiae from 1875. Her work was presented at exhibitions starting in the 1870s.


Her unique studio home on Vondelstraat


In 1889, Betsy Repelius had an imposing studio house built at Vondelstraat 29 in Amsterdam , close to Vondelpark, designed by architect Joseph Cuypers , son of the famous architect Pierre Cuypers.


The house was specially furnished for living and working. On the upper floor was a spacious painter's studio with a large north-facing window, creating an even light.


The building was originally intended as a shared living and working space for Repelius and her friend, the physician Marie du Saar. Ultimately, this shared occupancy did not materialize.


The house grew into a meeting place for artists, musicians, writers, and other intellectuals. Repelius regularly organized musical gatherings there and received guests from diverse artistic circles.


Also noteworthy is the house's connection to Piet Mondriaan , who was involved in the home's decoration in the early 20th century. The building still stands and serves as a tangible reminder of the Amsterdam art scene around 1900.


Historical company stamp – Claus & Fritz, Amsterdam


On the back of the painting is a historic oval firm stamp of Claus & Fritz, applied to the wooden stretcher frame.


Claus & Fritz was a renowned Amsterdam firm specializing in artists' supplies, whose history dates back to 1841. The company was founded by the painter Pieter Claus Jr. and was located at Herengracht 295 in Amsterdam for a long time.


From 1853, the company bore the name Claus & Fritz, following the involvement of painter Johannes Fritz, who was married to the daughter of Pieter Claus.


The firm manufactured and traded, among other things, oil paint, watercolor paint, canvases, stretcher frames, brushes, and other painting and drawing materials.


The documented clientele included well-known Dutch artists such as George Hendrik Breitner (1857–1923) and Willem Witsen (1860–1923). Historical purchases by both artists at Claus & Fritz are known.


The history of this firm was extensively researched by Michel van de Laar and Aviva Burnstock and published in 1997 in the Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, under the title With Paint from Claus & Fritz: A Study of an Amsterdam Painting Materials Firm (1841–1931).


The presence of the company stamp on this painting constitutes an interesting historical detail and offers a starting point for research into the artist's materials used and the history of the work's creation.


Dimensions and condition


• Dimensions without frame: 32 × 50 cm.

• Dimensions including frame: 42 × 60 cm.

• Technique: oil on canvas.

• Dating: 19th century, before 1900.

• Signature: signed bottom left.

• Condition: very good.

• Frame: richly ornamented, gold-colored frame.

• Special feature: historic firm stamp of Claus & Fritz on the wooden stretcher frame.


The painting is in very good condition , especially considering the age of the work.


See the extensive photo report for a detailed impression of the painting technique, signature, condition, frame, and reverse.


Pickup and shipping


The painting can be picked up in Zwolle by appointment.


Shipping is also possible via a specialized art courier , ensuring the painting is transported carefully and in a manner suitable for works of art.