Schilder A.M. Gorter in zijn atelier op de Nassaukade 362 in Amsterdam after 25

Sigmund Löw captured this photograph of painter A.M. Gorter’s studio on Nassaukade in Amsterdam. It’s a fascinating image, filled with paintings, furniture, and decorative objects. The artist himself sits centrally in the image, surrounded by the tools and products of his trade. Looking closely, the materiality of the paintings is evident, from the stretched canvases to the textured brushstrokes of the oil paint. The scene hints at the labour involved in artistic creation, from the physical act of painting to the cultivation of a creative environment. The photograph also speaks to the social context of art production. Gorter’s studio is not a neutral space but a carefully curated environment reflecting his aesthetic preferences and social status. The ornate furniture, decorative objects, and abundance of paintings suggest a prosperous lifestyle made possible by his artistic practice. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to consider the relationship between art, labor, and social class, challenging traditional notions of artistic genius and highlighting the material realities of artistic production.