Handschrift betreffende Hendrik Stokvisch after 1818

This handwritten manuscript from 1818 details the life of Hendrik Stokvisch, born in Utrecht in 1767. It reveals how Stokvisch was initially trained as a gardener by his father, a common path for many at the time. The text underscores the tension between familial expectations and individual aspirations. Stokvisch's story resonates with the struggles of many who find themselves torn between societal norms and their inner passions, here, music and painting. At seventeen, he moved to Amsterdam to study painting under George Christoffel Schultz, a wallpaper painter, investing three years in his craft. The manuscript emphasizes nature as his ultimate teacher, especially in landscapes. Stokvisch's works found their way into collections of art lovers, including a notable piece sketched in red and black chalk in Amsterdam. The manuscript ends by describing a painting with olive trees and a landscape featured in the art collection of Heer van Cranenburgh, also in Amsterdam. This artwork captures Stokvisch’s personal journey, reflecting broader societal shifts and the emotional weight of pursuing one's artistic identity.