For the Nederlands Steendrukmuseum’s upcoming exhibition Vincent van Gogh as a Graphic Artist
9 May – 4 October 2015
At Nederlands Steendrukmuseum at Valkenswaard the phase of research has now fully started. Meanwhile our museum has invited an enthusiastic and well-established guest curator. This curator worked until recently at the Van Gogh Museum and is specialized in 19th century print work.
This week we had the unique opportunity in cooperation with lithographer and stone printer Gertjan Forrer to examine all the existing lithographs by Vincent in Amsterdam. This research included the print quality, ink and paper used, but also whether during the printing process Vincent put in improvements or not. Of the 9 existing prints the lithograph “The Potato Eaters” had our very special attention. Of this lithograph worldwide are still 18 copies known.
The impressive practical knowledge of lithography of Gertjan Forrer delivered after a day of investigation some very interesting insights. Insights that will be worked out and are of great importance for our next exhibition.
After intensive examination it reveals that the copy of the Rijksmuseum has to be one of the later ones from the series made of this lithograph on April 16, 1885 at printing company Gestel & Zn. at Eindhoven. The photo shows the remarkable lithograph as held by the Rijksmuseum.