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Mesdags' Circle of Friends
01.12.2023
Artist couple
Artistic, enterprising, stimulating and hospital. The artist couple Hendrik Willem Mesdag and Sientje Mesdag-van Houten played a key role in The Hague's social scene. They supported emerging artists and took an interest in people from all different social backgrounds.
‘Their house gradually became the focal point of a large circle of painters and friends. Several musicians too were among the regular guests, along with well-known individuals from the fields of science and politics, Dutch and foreign alike.’
Barbara van Houten, notes, June 1935, Museum Panorama Mesdag Archives
Mesdag's circle of friends, from artists to the royal family and political circles, played a very important role in their lives. They supported and motivated them in their artistic pursuits, whilst also purchasing their artwork. Whenever there was something to celebrate, they were sure to be there. The artworks in this presentation provide an insight into their network and their life.
Photo: Opening of the 30th exhibition of the Hollandsche Teekenmaatschappij, 1905, photograph, Haags Gemeentearchief