Jan Voerman jr.

Jan Voerman jr., an artistic talent

Jan Voerman jr. was raised in an artistic environment, as the eldest from a family of five children. His father was the renowned painter Jan Voerman sr., known as the painter of the IJssel riverscapes. His uncle was Jan Verkade, a very talented painter who worked in Paris in the late 19th and early 20eth century, who was heavily influenced by Paul Gauguin and the Nabis-movement. Jan Voerman jr.’s family moves to the Geldersedijk in Hattem, in 1896. His father recognises the artistic talent his son clearly displays, and gives him his first art kit at six years old. Jan Voerman jr. collects all sorts of insects and plants to draw.

First Verkade assignment

At the young age of 15, Voerman jr. obtains his first assignment. His grandfather, Ericus Verkade, of the famous Verkade-cookie factory, asks him to produce drawings for the nature albums, published by Verkade at the time. Working side by side with biologist Jac. Thijsse and fellow-illustrator Wenkebach, they produce the ‘Spring’, ‘Summer’, ‘Autumn’ and ‘Winter’ album-series. He also illustrated the catalogues for the flower bulb trading industry.

Jan Voerman jr. visits the Amsterdam Royal Academy in 1913, but due to the First World War, his father is forced to withdraw his allowance. Endorsed by art critic H.P. Bremmer, Voerman jr. decides to enroll in lithography-class a couple of years later, at the Academy of Decorativce Arts in The Hague.

Refined nature observations

In 1939, Verkade ceases to publish the albums due to WW II. From that moment on, Jan Voerman jr. focuses on his own development as an artist. He depicts delightfully refined nature observations: apple blossoms, springtime bouquets, roses, trays with mushrooms and landscapes. His work excells through his craftmanship, and his ability to display his subjects with fine detail. Jan Voerman jr.’s work can be found in the Voerman Museum in Hattem.