The closeness of love is palpable in this lovely work on panel by romantic Rob Graafland. It is probably a portrait of his wife and himself. It could just hang in the bedroom as proof that it is all beautiful, lovely and nice.

Signed and dated Rob Graafland 1905 lower right

Oil on canvas laid down on panel

Panel 39*21 cm

Framed 42*25 cm

Biography of Rob Graafland

Robert Archibald Graafland  ( Maastricht 1875 - Heerlen 1940) was born in Maastricht and moved to Amsterdam with his parents in 1890, where he received his education for Drawing teachers and also at the Quilliniusschool. Graafland then went to the National Academy for Visual Arts and taught by August Allebe and Carel L. Drake.  After his studies, Graafland returns to Maastricht where he is hired as a drawing teacher at the Stadsteeken Institute. Together with this institute he founded the Sunday School for Decorative Arts and chooses the most talented students himself. He also continues to illustrate books and magazines. After his marriage to a wealthy woman, the honeymoon went to Italy, where he probably gained a lot of inspiration, which was reflected in his later use of colour. He also made a long journey to America. In 1911 his newly acquired house near Maastricht, with its park-like garden, became a meeting place for art friends and students.  He develops his own style: romantic impressionism with fast and spontaneous brushwork and an intense and radiant colour palette. The subjects come from his immediate environment.  Graafland exhibited in Maastricht and Amsterdam in 1910, met Piet Mondriaan and Jan Sluijters together in the Stedelijk Museum. In the same year, he also founded the Limburgse Kunstkring with Herman Gouwe among others.  Unfortunately much has changed for him after the outbreak of the First World War. His health left something to be desired and had financial problems. Graafland remained active as an illustrator and art teacher. Eventually, when things went better for him he was able to paint again and devoted himself to making portraits for which he again received many commissions.

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