Gijsbertus Jan van Koppenhagen

Gijsbertus Jan van Koppenhagen 

(the Hague 1909 - 1977 the Hague)

Dutch graphic artist and academy teacher 

Although he taught for 40 years at the Hague Art Academy (Akademie voor Beeldende Kunsten), after studying there 1927-1931, my research into the biography of this hardly known Dutch printmaker delivered hardly any facts. No direct links (parents) to his family that seems to originate mainly from the Arnhem region. The use of first name Gijsbert in this family dates back for centuries. (He is also known as Gijs van K. or Bert van K.)  

This print titled "Hengelaartje" (fisherman) dated 1931 so in the year he graduated from his training and printed on thin Japan paper, is stylishly somewhat reminding of prints by better known printmaker Dirk Hidde Nijland. It popped up in a local sale recently. 

Van Koppenhagen later (from the 1960's ?) seems to have turned his interest and style to abstract geometric compositions executed in linocut print of which I found several in the internet.  

He married in 1935 Meintje (Hermine Wilhelmina) de Wolff who was born in Tegal (Java) in Indonesia in 1911. She had been also a student in the Hague Academy and is said to have worked in her native Tegal too. She is known as painter and sculptrice. As an artist she also remains very obscured: no genealogical or biographical data and hardly any examples (below, attributed to her) of her work. Both artists were member of the Hague artist association "Pulchri Studio".

Begonia's and tabacco plant 

 All pictures borrowed freely from the Internet for friendly, educational and non commercial use only.

All further information would be very welcomed.