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Aart van Dobbenburgh collection

 Collection
Identifier: ubl203

Scope and Contents

The collection of lithographs by Aart van Dobbenburgh, with some additional woodcuts and drawings, as received in 2003, represents the almost complete output of the artist. It displays the diversity of his work, although there is a clear emphasis on landscapes and portraits. Noteworthy are the many portraits he made of his mother, his wife Cosja and his daughter Marthy, whom he portrayed from her birth in 1955 to his own death in 1988. As a graphic artist Van Dobbenburgh received assignments on a regular basis, often for posters but also for stamps or bookplates. Van Dobbenburgh’s work reveals him as an artist with a strong social engagement, committed to the abolishment of war, poverty and excessive drinking. His convictions combine communist, Christian and pacifist elements. In later years the social element receded into the background and Van Dobbenburgh focused instead on still lifes and landscapes. Stylistically the artist developed from a representative of expressionism through surrealism to realism, which in the later years of his career became somewhat obsolete. The collection Van Dobbenburgh includes a number of letters, mostly by the artist to his patron Mr. P.D. Sanderse, and documentation, like a draft for a story (Straat der zondaren) and off-prints of articles on Van Dobbenburgh.

Dates

  • Creation: 1920-1988

Conditions Governing Use

Regulations that apply during the use of these materials can be found on the website of Leiden University Library.

Biographical / Historical

Aart van Dobbenburgh (1899-1988) was born in Amsterdam but lived most of his life in Bentveld. Already during his education at the Instituut voor Kunstnijverheidsonderwijs he specialized in graphic art. Van Dobbenburgh remained essentially a graphic artist, devoted to lithography, although he did occasionally make paintings. He is also the author of a book on graphic art: Grafische kunst: over houtsnijden en lithografeeren, which was published in 1936. Van Dobbenburgh passed away in 1988 in Haarlem.

Extent

850 prints (circa), 10 drawings, some letters and documentation

Language of Materials

Undetermined

Abstract in Dutch

Grafisch oeuvre van de kunstenaar Aart van Dobbenburgh (1899-1988)

Abstract in English

Graphic oeuvre of the artist Aart van Dobbenburgh (1899-1988)

Physical Location

Leiden University Library, Special Collections

Other Finding Aids

All the prints are described in the online Catalogue use the word "Dobbenburgh" as search item. A concise list is available from the curator.

Custodial History

The collection was acquired by Mr. P.D. Sanderse from the artist since the 1950s. Being neighbours at the time, Mr. Sanderse acted as the artist’s patron, purchasing prints every year as a way to support the artist financially.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was transferred by Mrs. A.M. Sanderse-Schaap to the Print Room of Leiden University in 2003.

Accruals

No future additions are to be expected.

Bibliography

  • Biografisch portaal (Dobbenburgh, Aart van)
  • Dobbenburgh, Aart van, Grafische kunst: over houtsnijden en lithografeeren. Amsterdam 1936.

General

The material can be requested via the Catalogue and consulted in the Special Collections Reading Room.

Title
Collection guide of the Aart van Dobbenburgh collection (1920-1988)
Subtitle
Collectie Aart van Dobbenburgh
Author
Jef Schaeps, 2013
Date
2013
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Beschrijving is in het Engels.

Revision Statements

  • 4 November 2013: latest update

Repository Details

Part of the Leiden University Libraries Archives & Collections Repository

Contact:
Witte Singel 27
Leiden 2311 BG Netherlands
+31 71 527 2857