Portretstudies voor het (onvoltooide) schilderij van de Nederlandse rechtbank in Londen, juni 1942: Mr. H. van Everdingen. Possibly 1942 - 1946

Anton Abraham van Anrooy made these portrait studies in pencil for the painting of the Dutch Court in London in June 1942. The artist captures the likeness of Mr. H. van Everdingen against the backdrop of the Second World War, a period marked by displacement and resistance. Anrooy, living through this tumultuous time, sketched the Dutch Court exiled in London, a poignant symbol of a nation fighting to maintain its identity amidst occupation. This work, with its subtle lines and thoughtful composition, gives insight into the emotional and political landscape of the war. The unfinished nature of the piece may speak to the uncertain future faced by the Dutch during this time. The drawing subtly challenges traditional wartime representations, focusing not on the battlefield, but on the faces of those upholding justice in exile. It captures the quiet determination of individuals who, despite displacement, continued to serve their nation, reflecting both resilience and the personal impact of conflict.