Willem Maris was a Dutch landscape painter, born on February 18, 1844, in The Hague, Netherlands. He is known for his beautiful landscapes, which often featured cows, meadows, and willows. Willem was the third in a family of five children, and his two brothers, Jacob and Matthijs Maris, also became painters.

Early Life and Training

Willem's early study years were marked by his love for nature and the outdoors. He would often sit in the meadow and watch the cows before and after school. His brothers, being older, provided him with some training, and he also attended the Academy of Art in The Hague, where he drew from plaster models and practiced drawing in perspective. In the summer, he would study outdoors, and in the winter, he would work in the stable. Willem received advice from the cattle painter Pieter Stortenbeker, who gave him work to copy. This early training helped shape his style and technique. Willem's painting career progressed regularly, and he maintained a steady production of paintings throughout his life.

Major Phases in His Work

Willem's work can be divided into three major phases. The first phase was characterized by an exact reproduction of the surroundings. In this period, Willem was still finding his way in the anatomical portrayal of cattle. The second phase saw him completely mastering the anatomy of cattle, and his use of color became more definite. The meadows and trees were painted in gradations of saturated shades of green. The third phase, which began around 1880, saw Willem using broader strokes, combining this with impasto. This period was marked by an intimate atmosphere, and his lively use of color distinguished him from the "gray mood" of his contemporaries, earning him the nickname "the impressionist" of the Hague School.

Notable Works and Legacy

Willem's paintings are best known for their emphasis on light. His often-cited motto was: "I don't paint cows, but rather effects of light." Some of his notable works include Cows on the Heath, which may have been painted in Oosterbeek, and Shell cart, a painting that exemplifies his late style. Willem's legacy extends beyond his own work. He influenced others, including his son Simon Willem Maris, who also became a painter. Willem's use of color and light has been an inspiration to many artists, and his work continues to be celebrated by art lovers around the world.

• Willem Maris was a member of the Pulchri Studio, a Dutch art society.
• His brothers, Jacob and Matthijs Maris, were also painters and members of the Hague School.
• Willem's work can be found in various museums, including the Kunstmuseum in The Hague.
• He was known for his beautiful landscapes, which often featured cows, meadows, and willows.

Important works by Willem Maris can be found on Pieter Stortenbeker, where you can also learn more about his life and work. The Hague School is a group of artists who lived and worked in The Hague between 1860 and 1890, and their work was heavily influenced by the realist painters of the French Barbizon school.