Willem van konijnenburg (1868-1943)

dancing figures, circa1905

pencil on paper, 33 x 37,5 cm

a highly characteristic early symbolist composition by willen van konijnenburg, executed around 1905. the drawing illustrates the artists enduring fascination with the idealized human figure and rhythmic movement, themas that would remain central throughout his career.

the work is documented in the literature and was produced in Elsevier (vol. 18, 1908, p11). it was subsequently included in paintings and drawings in the collection of g.f.h. van Kooten kok (The Hague, 1929, ill. no. 24), confirming its place within one of the most important early collections of the artists work.

provenance: g.f.h. van kooten kok, private collection, wassenaar