Jan Sirks - Coal tip Katendrecht October 1915 - Proof 136-JS - Sold

Monumental etching with historical harbour view by Jan Sirks from the Collection <Rijnmond Toen> no. 136-JS-185-ZS.
The etching provides a view of the activities in the port of Rotterdam, Katendrecht at the beginning of the 20th century; the time when the port of Rotterdam was still located in the city.
A "Must have" for those among us who are experts on, or interested in, the history of the port of Rotterdam.
This is a proof print, dated October 1915. The etching is in excellent condition.


Dimensions:
Sheet size: 620 x 455 mm
Plate: 590 x 430 mm


Annotation
in pencil: "Furnessterrein Maashaven Rotterdam"
Hand signed in pencil
Monogram in the print lo

Jan Sirks (Rotterdam, 23 February 1885 – Zeist, 11 March 1938) was a Dutch graphic artist, who devoted himself to painting, watercolouring, drawing and etching the ports of Rotterdam, animals, cityscapes and landscapes in a romantic realistic style. Sirks was co-founder of the Rotterdam artist group “De Branding”.
In 2004 a biography and overview of his work was published (ISBN 906 216 640 7 – NUR 642/646). There is also a website dedicated to him, thanks to his wife, daughter and granddaughter Yosay Briels, who also wrote an English biography about him “The Dutch Artist and His Muse”. (ISBN 978-1545151792)
There is no certainty about the size of his work. The numbers vary from 200 etchings to over 300 works.
The website and Facebook page of Rijnmond Toen feature some 65 etchings by Jan Sirks that belong or have belonged to the collection, including the etching that is now on offer.