Boekhouder 1900 - 1935

Patricq Kroon made this, ‘Boekhouder’, which translates as ‘Bookkeeper’, with ink and watercolour. The blue skin of the bookkeeper is striking, a choice that gives the piece a somewhat satirical feel. He sits, poised with pen and cigar, amidst piles of ledgers, while a scene unfolds behind him through the window. I wonder if the artist identified with this figure? The painting feels like it might be poking fun at the bourgeoisie. The lines are expressive. There’s a sense of quickness and immediacy, especially in the figure outside the window. It reminds me a little of Daumier and those other great cartoonists. It has that same wonderful simplicity. The artist's use of line here isn't just descriptive. It adds so much feeling and depth to the image. Ultimately, ‘Boekhouder’ captures a moment, and hints at larger social commentaries. Artists are always bouncing ideas off each other like this. It's an ongoing conversation.