donation: 'last self-portrait' by Kees Verwey
On the occasion of it 125 year anniversary from Kees Verwey, Fred Hoogland, former depot manager of the Frans Hals Museum, donates what may be the master's last self-portrait to the Verwey Museum HaarlemThis special donation is a valuable addition to the museum's collection, which in 2025 will organize a unique series of exhibitions in honor of 125 years of Kees Verwey, one of the most idiosyncratic painters of Haarlem.
A special meeting
The donation of the self-portrait is the result of a special encounter between Hoogland and Verwey in the summer of 1995. During a visit to Verwey's studio, Hoogland was unexpectedly given a drawing, which he only later recognized as a self-portrait of the artist. Shortly thereafter, on July 23, 1995, Verwey passed away at the age of 95. The portrait, which had been kept in a folder for years, has now been donated to the museum. This was the express wish of Bep Hoogland, the late wife of Fred Hoogland. "It belongs in the museum's collection, especially in the year in which we celebrate 125 years of Kees Verwey," says Fred Hoogland. "This portrait is a beautiful conclusion to the series of self-portraits Verwey created throughout his life, from when he was eleven years old to this final portrait at the age of 95."
Three exhibitions, one big tribute
The series of exhibitions, which is organised under the umbrella name 125 years of Kees Verwey – Tricks of a master, sheds a multifaceted light on Verwey's life and work. From Verwey's legendary studio (Studio in image, until January 4, 2026), his wife and muse Jeanne (More than a muse, until October 26, 2025) to the grand masters who inspired him, including Breitner, Israels, Sluijters and Toorop (Verwey and his inspiration, until November 9, 2025). In this final exhibition, Verwey's donated self-portrait can be admired alongside his first self-portrait from 1911.
fltr:
Kees Verwey, Self-portrait, 1911, pencil and watercolor on paper
Kees Verwey, Self-portrait, 1995, charcoal on paper