Henri Frederic Boot - an impressionistically painted "study of a woman" from the 1950s.

• Medium: watercolor on paper
• Dating: 1950s
• Signed: bottom right
• Condition: in good condition
• Titled: untitled
• Top size 35 x 25cm - in passe partout: 65 x 50cm.
  

Henri Frédéric Boot is called the 'Nestor of the 20th-century Haarlem School.' The erudite and idiosyncratic painter grew up in a well-to-do family where he received a traditional upbringing. During his studies in classical languages, his passion for art proved to be even greater. Boot became a conventional painter, for whom the highest goal was to fathom and capture everyday reality. The craftsmanship aspect of art was central, as was his fascination with simple working-class life. A good artist does not belong to the elite, but is a craftsman who toils in poverty until his work is finished. Throughout his life, Boot dedicated himself to the interests of his 'toiling' fellow artists as an active member of many artists' associations, including the Kultuurkamer during World War II. The latter ensured that the people of Haarlem viewed him with mixed feelings after the war. Nevertheless, his friends, including Godfried Bomans, Lodewijk van Deyssel, Harry Mulisch, and Mari Andriessen, remained loyal to him. Despite his privileged background, Boot chose a life of poverty. He lived for nearly half a century in his heavily filthy house and studio on Klein Heiligland. Here he taught many artists, including Otto B. de Kat, Poppe Damave, and Wim Steijn. His influence was most visible in Kees Verwey. Housemate Anton Heyboer disliked Boots's work but became impressed by his lifestyle.