The exhibition Barbara van Houten – In the light of the Mesdags traces her artistic development, highlights her remarkable versatility, and explores how family ties influenced her work.
Although Van Houten played a significant role in 19th-century Dutch art, today she is virtually unknown to most people. She developed into a versatile and respected artist with the support and encouragement of her family, including her aunt Sientje Mesdag-van Houten and uncle Hendrik Willem Mesdag.
She produced colourful drawings, watercolours and paintings, explored woodwork, and specialised in etching – a medium in which she truly excelled.
Barbara van Houten, Self-Portrait, 1920-1950, oil on canvas, 88.2 x 67.8 cm. Groninger Museum. Barbara van Houten, Zelfportret, 1920-1950, olieverf op doek, 88.2 x 67.8 cm. Groninger Museum, Barbara van Houten, Zelfportret, 1920-1950, olieverf op doek, 77 × 67,8 cm. Groninger Museum. Photo: Marten de Leeuw