In 1979, a suitcase full of watercolours, pastels and preliminary studies was found in the studio of the deceased painter Raoul Hynckes (1893-1973). It appeared that he often made such elaborate studies; yet during his lifetime he revealed little about his painting technique. Studies such as this Ba
...sket of Flowers therefore afford unique insight into his working methods.
A grid drawn in pencil is visible under the painted image. This made it easier to subsequently enlarge or transfer the depiction to another support. Moreover, in this preliminary study Hynckes had already rendered the effects of shadow and light. He used a cabinet with lamps and shutters, with which he could adjust the different directions and intensity of the light per composition.
Hynckes may have derived this ingenious idea from his set designer work – he had earlier created a complete miniature stage. In this way, he ‘steered’ the theatrical lighting that was so characteristic of his often dark still lifes.
Text: Myrthe Wesseling, guide and museum hostIn 1979, a suitcase full of watercolours, pastels and preliminary studies was found in the studio of the deceased painter Raoul Hynckes (1893-1973). It appeared that he often made such elaborate studies; yet during his lifetime he revealed little about his painting technique. Studies such as this Basket of Flowers therefore afford unique insight into his working methods.
A grid drawn in pencil is visible under the painted image. This made it easier to subsequently enlarge or transfer the depiction to another support. Moreover, in this preliminary study Hynckes had already rendered the effects of shadow and light. He used a cabinet with lamps and shutters, with which he could adjust the different directions and intensity of the light per composition.
Hynckes may have derived this ingenious idea from his set designer work – he had earlier created a complete miniature stage. In this way, he ‘steered’ the theatrical lighting that was so characteristic of his often dark still lifes.
Text: Myrthe Wesseling, guide and museum host
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Artist
Raoul Hynckes
Title
The Basket of Flowers, preliminary study
Year
1951
Technique
Mixed media on paper
Size
64 x 74 cm (h x w)
Type of object
Drawing
Copyright
Uknown
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