Matthijs Maris, Men unloading Carts, Montmartre
| Full title | Men unloading Carts, Montmartre |
|---|---|
| Artist | Matthijs Maris |
| Artist dates | 1839 - 1917 |
| Date made | 1870 |
| Medium and support | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 23.2 × 30.5 cm |
| Inscription summary | Signed; Dated |
| Acquisition credit | Presented by J.C.J. Drucker, 1912 |
| Inventory number | NG2874 |
| Location | Not on display |
| Collection | Main Collection |
The Dutch artist Matthijs Maris studied at the Hague Drawing Academy and at the Antwerp Academy. His brothers, Jacob and Willem, were also artists.
In 1869 Matthijs moved to Paris, where Jacob was living. Jacob returned to Holland in 1871, but Matthijs remained another six years, renting a room in Montmartre, an area particularly favoured by artists. This small picture is one of several he painted of the Montmartre Quarry on the northern edge of Paris where the city gave way to countryside. The quarry was also painted in 1886 by Van Gogh, who likewise included the windmills in the background – a feature that perhaps appealed to both Dutchmen.
Matthijs felt great loyalty to France. He joined the National Guard when the Franco-Prussian War broke out in 1870, and in 1871 he fought with the Communards. Recalling the art of Daumier, Matthijs’s identification with the city’s working people is evident here. The earthy colours and textures of the paint match the pit in which the men load their carts.
From 1877 Matthijs lived in London, where he died in 1917.
The Dutch artist Matthijs Maris studied at the Hague Drawing Academy and at the Antwerp Academy. His brothers, Jacob and Willem, were also artists.
In 1869 Matthijs moved to Paris, where Jacob was living. Jacob returned to Holland in 1871, but Matthijs remained another six years, renting a room in Montmartre, an area particularly favoured by artists. This small picture is one of several he painted of the Montmartre Quarry on the northern edge of Paris where the city gave way to countryside . The quarry was also painted in 1886 by Van Gogh, who likewise included the windmills in the background – a feature that perhaps appealed to both Dutchmen.
Matthijs felt great loyalty to France. He joined the National Guard when the Franco-Prussian War broke out in 1870, and in 1871 he fought with the Communards. Recalling the art of Daumier, Matthijs’s identification with the city’s working people is evident here. The earthy colours and textures of the paint match the pit in which the men load their carts.
From 1877 Matthijs lived in London, where he died in 1917.
Download a low-resolution copy of this image for personal use.
License and download a high-resolution image for reproductions up to A3 size from the National Gallery Picture Library.
License imageThis image is licensed for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons agreement.
Examples of non-commercial use are:
- Research, private study, or for internal circulation within an educational organisation (such as a school, college or university)
- Non-profit publications, personal websites, blogs, and social media
The image file is 800 pixels on the longest side.
As a charity, we depend upon the generosity of individuals to ensure the collection continues to engage and inspire. Help keep us free by making a donation today.
You must agree to the Creative Commons terms and conditions to download this image.
