Schilder in zijn atelier 1846 - 1863

Hendrik Dekker created this piece called "Painter in his Studio" sometime in the 19th century. Dekker lived and worked during a time when the art world was undergoing significant changes, with debates around academic traditions and emerging avant-garde movements. This work presents a painter in what seems to be 17th century dress, sitting at his easel with a female muse behind him. The image self-consciously references the Dutch Golden Age of painting and the way painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer had acquired a new social status. The art world in 19th century Netherlands was still strongly shaped by institutions such as art academies and salons. The image seems to be referencing not only the Dutch Golden Age, but also the idea of genius that art academies were keen to promote. To better understand Dekker’s position, we might consider the academic system in which he trained, and his contributions to exhibitions. Context like this helps us understand the role of art in the 19th century.