Carel de Nerée tot Babberich
Drawings by the Dutch Symbolist Carel de Nerée tot Babberich for Sale
Carel de Nerée tot Babberich (1880–1909) is among the most intriguing Dutch Symbolists of the fin-de-siècle. His body of work is small, rare, and exceptionally refined— qualities that have made him one of the most sought-after artists within Dutch Symbolism today. At the Scholte Collection, you will find a curated selection of works by Carel de Nerée available for purchase.
A Life in the Shadows
De Nerée grew up in Zevenaar, at Huize Babberich, as a member of an influential family. His mother, Constance van Houten, was a progressive feminist and artist who encouraged her son’s artistic development. After completing his studies at the Handelschool in Antwerp and passing a consular examination in The Hague, he entered diplomatic service — yet it was his inner world that truly shaped him.
Although De Nerée never exhibited publicly during his lifetime, he built an impressive corpus of drawings. His graphically refined style shows a strong influence from Aubrey Beardsley and Jan Toorop: elegant, provocative, and touched with a hint of decadence. Within The Hague society he was known as well-read, charismatic, and a keen observer — traits that resonate throughout his work.
Carel de Nerée tot Babberich, Faun (1904), ink, Indian ink and silver paint on wove paper, 35.3 × 21.8 cm. Ex-collection Barry Humphries. Sold
A Symbolist Far Ahead of His Time
Carel de Nerée’s drawings reveal a hidden charge that he could not openly express within his social position. Friends described him as “different from the others,” a coded way of referring to anything that deviated from the heteronormative. Today, he would likely have identified as homosexual or bisexual. This sense of ‘otherness’ lies at the core of his art. De Nerée’s work explores themes such as gender fluidity, eroticism, and the ambiguity of identity, all set within the Symbolist tradition in which the deeper meaning behind visible reality takes precedence.
Reappraisal: 'Carel de Nerée tot Babberich. Anders dan de anderen' at the Dordrechts Museum
The recent exhibition at the Dordrechts Museum, curated by guest curator Sander Bink, underscores the renewed appreciation for De Nerée. More than forty masterpieces from museum and private collections were shown, including rare works from the renowned Barry Humphries Collection, better known as Dame Edna.
For the first time, several works were presented to the public, including the remarkable embroideries Carel de Nerée created together with his mother. The opening of the exhibition also coincided with the publication of the new biography Verfijnde lijnen. Carel de Nerée tot Babberich 1880–1909 by Sander Bink.
Acquisition & brokerage of Carel de Nerée's drawings
Our collection includes a select group of drawings and rare sheets by Carel de Nerée, complemented by works from private collections. Each piece is presented with complete documentation.
Are you searching for a work by this singular Symbolist, seeking advice on a potential acquisition, or do you own a piece you are considering selling? Please feel free to contact us for an informal consultation.
