Siebe Johannes ten Cate (1858-1908)

Hamburg in winter

1893

Pastel on canvas

33 x 42 cm

Frame: 36 x 45

In good condition

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The above work will be included in the upcoming digital catalog raisonné of Siebe ten Cate by the RKD and the Siebe ten Cate Foundation.

 

Siebe ten Cate (1858-1908) was a Dutch artist known for his impressionistic landscapes and cityscapes. He was born in Sneek, Friesland, and studied at the Rijksacademie van beeldende kunsten in Amsterdam.

 

Ten Cate was an artist with a lot of wanderlust. He traveled to many places: Switzerland, France, England, Scandinavia, North Africa, among others. Early in his career, he journeyed to Paris, where he encountered the French artists of his time. There, he befriended Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, and Vincent van Gogh, and even shared a studio with Kees van Dongen for several months. He visited Lucerne, where he found inspiration in the beautiful nature and lakes, including the Vierwaldstättersee. Hamburg was also one of his favorite destinations.

 

During his travels, he created numerous pastels. He often used soft pastels in his works, applying them in thin layers on coarse paper. This technique allowed him to depict subtle nuances of color and light, greatly contributing to the atmosphere of his pieces. A characteristic feature of Ten Cate's style is his impressionistic technique, resulting in a delicate haziness or kind of aura that is visible in almost all his works. He also produced etchings and lithographs.

 

His travels had a profound influence on his art. He frequently incorporated elements he had observed and experienced into his works, such as architecture and nature. Combined with his distinctive style, this made his works unique and recognizable.

Ten Cate was a highly productive artist who achieved considerable success during his lifetime. He regularly exhibited in the Netherlands and abroad, including at the prestigious Salons in Paris. Unfortunately, he passed away prematurely in Paris in 1908.

 

After his death, he was largely forgotten in the Netherlands. However, the situation has changed today. His work is highly sought after by collectors and commands high prices at auctions. His artwork is part of important museum collections, including the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, Musée Carnavalet, and the Louvre in Paris. In 2012, a retrospective exhibition of his work took place at the Fries Scheepvaart Museum. Since 2020, a foundation has been established with the aim of promoting the artist domestically and internationally through art-historical research, online publication of information, and organizing exhibitions.

 

Bob Scholte Fine Art has several artworks by Siebe ten Cate in their collection that are not yet featured on their website. If interested, please send a message.