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Head of a Dog: Nero
Sientje Mesdag-van Houten, 1875

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Head of a Dog: Nero

Sientje Mesdag-van Houten (1834 - 1909), 1875

oil on canvas, 40.5 cm x 51.3 cm
The Mesdag Collection, The Hague


Nero was Hendrik Willem and Sientje Mesdag’s faithful companion. Sientje painted this portrait of their dog in 1875, a few years after she began working in oil paint. Around this time she sought her subject matter in her immediate surroundings, in her home and garden. This included their dogs Jolie, King-Charles, and Nero, portrayed here.

Sientje Mesdag quickly established her reputation as an artist. Her still lifes, landscapes, and portraits were well received. She developed into one of the most influential Dutch female artists of her time and stimulated and encouraged other women in the arts. She also bought works by them for what was then the Mesdag Museum.

See also:

  • 1871 - 1880
  • painting
  • animal art
  • Sientje Mesdag-van Houten

Object number
hwm0243
Credits
The Mesdag Collection, The Hague
Dimensions
40.5cm x 51.3cm, 70cm x 81.3cm, 14cm