The exhibition ‘Hendrik Werkman – from Voerman to Baalschem’ is on view in Museum Belvédère in Heerenveen until February 28, 2021.
Oil and wax on canvas, 70 x 52 cm
Shown are a number of Werkman’s early ‘druksels’ or prints (including Chimneys, Composition with letter a, Composition with weights and the full series of The next call), and the painting Voerman (Carter) from 1923. In addition, prints from all phases of Werkman’s artistry are shown.
The works come from the Van Toledo collection. The Toledo’s, in turn, acquired them from the heirs of architect and painter Job Hansen (1899-1960), a friend of Werkman.
They are given on long-term loan to Museum Belvédère.
Printer and publisher
Hendrik Werkman (1882-1945) was originally a book printer and publisher in Groningen. He created various posters, invitations and catalogues for the Groningen artists’ association De Ploeg. In addition, he started publishing art periodicals printed by himself in collaboration with various artists, such as the Blad voor kunst (1921-1922) and The next call (1923-1926). He also wrote poetry, especially in Dada style, and art manifestos.
Just before the Second World War, Werkman came into contact with Willem Sandberg of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. He gave him his first solo exhibition in Amsterdam in 1939.
De Blauwe Schuit
During the war, Werkman, together with others, produced the periodical De Blauwe Schuit, in which, in veiled terms, the Nazi regime was criticized. Werkman provided the texts with beautiful colourful ‘druksels’. One of his best-known works, a double series of ten ‘druksels’ entitled ‘Chassidische legenden I en II’, is also from that time (see the interesting article by the Koninklijke Bibliotheek about the Chassidische legenden).
Suite 1, plate 4 (template print)
Executed
Three days before the liberation of the Northern Netherlands, Werkman and nine others were executed by the Sicherheitsdienst in the woods near Bakkeveen (province of Friesland).
Temporarily closed!
Please note that the Dutch museums are closed until further notice, due to corona measures.