Skip to main content
Waterlilies by Willem Roelofs
Waterlilies
Waterlilies by Willem Roelofs
Waterlilies by Willem Roelofs

Waterlilies

Artist (Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1822 - 1897)
Datec. 1880
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsHeight: 110.4 cm, Width: 175.5 cm
Frame Size: 158.5 × 224.5 × 19cm
Weight: 96.5 kg
AcquisitionPresented in 1888 by John Forbes White.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG002918
About MeWillem Roelofs often spent the summers at the lake of Noorden, which provided the subject for this painting. He was noted for his ability to make an interesting composition from an unremarkable scene, an achievement that was made possible by his deep understanding of, and interest in, nature.

Roelofs was a keen entomologist and the precisely rendered dragonflies in the foreground of this painting recall this interest. His use of soft, natural lighting and the absence of anecdote or sentimentality are also characteristic elements of his work.


More About Me

Writing to his brother Theo, Vincent Van Gogh tells of meeting Willem Roelofs who encouraged him to enrol in a drawing academy.　 Vincent did so in November 1880.