Johannes Fransiscus Spohler (1853-1923)
Bakenessergracht Haarlem, The Netherlands
Technique: Oil on canvas, marouflé
Dimensions canvas: 27 x 35 cm
Dimensions work: 44 x 52 cm
Signature: Bottom right
Frame: 24kt gold-gilded handmade frame

RKD-Link: https://rkd.nl/artists/74392

Provenance:
- Private collection, Netherlands

Johannes Franciscus Spohler was an outsider in his painting family. His father, Jan Jacob Spohler, died when he was only thirteen years old, which is why he - unlike his 16-year-older brother Jan Jacob Coenraad - probably did not have lessons from him. This absence of paternal painter influence may also have been the reason that Johannes Franciscus chose a different genre than his father and brother. He was the only one to choose the Dutch cityscape as a specialization, while his father and brother painted winter landscapes and summer river views. His great example was the work of the Amsterdammer Cornelis Springer: sunny streets with old Dutch houses, populated with figures of all kinds, busy with all kinds of activities. Partly due to Springer's popularity, a good market had developed in the 19th century for cityscapes with Dutch historical buildings, both in his own country and abroad.