Antoinette van Hoytema (1875–1967)
Barbara Hofje, Haarlem
1904
Pencil, charcoal, and watercolour on paper
32 x 24 cm
Mounted in a passe-partout

Condition:
In excellent condition

Additional Information:
This early drawing by Antoinette van Hoytema (1875–1967) depicts the Barbara Hofje in Haarlem, an intimate and characteristic corner of the city rendered with great sensitivity and attention to detail. Behind a wooden fence, we see a modest courtyard house with a thatched roof, nestled in lush greenery. The sheltered, almost hidden location of the house, partially shaded by a large tree, contributes to the quiet and contemplative atmosphere of the composition.

The Barbara Hofje, located on the Jansstraat in Haarlem, was originally established as the St. Barbara Gasthuis, a hospital for the sick and elderly. It later became a residential courtyard (hofje). Today, only a former entrance gate remains of this historic site.

The scene is both intimate and nostalgic, highlighting the everyday beauty of a thatched roof, shutters, and weathered walls, framed by a tree that casts gentle shadows over the building. The wooden fence in the foreground suggests a boundary between public and private space, while the surrounding vegetation evokes a sense of harmony with nature.
The drawing radiates a quiet, rural simplicity and reveals Van Hoytema’s affinity for capturing local and recognisable subjects. Her delicate use of colour, combined with subtle linework, reflects a fine balance between realism and atmosphere.

Drawings by Antoinette van Hoytema are held in several public collections, including the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo.