The First Steps

Bernardus Johannes (Bernard) Blommers was a prominent Dutch painter and etcher, known for his association with the Hague School. He was born on January 30, 1845, in The Hague, Netherlands, and passed away in the same city on December 12, 1914. Blommers made significant contributions to Dutch art, particularly in the realms of genre painting and maritime scenes.

Blommers began his artistic career by learning lithography in his father’s workshop. He later pursued formal studies at the Hague Akademie, where he was under the tutelage of Johan Philip Koelman until 1868. His early work predominantly featured genre scenes, often depicting the lives of fishermen and their families. These paintings were characterized by an intimate and atmospheric portrayal, drawing inspiration from the Dutch Golden Age, especially the works of Jozef Israëls, who greatly influenced him.

In 1870, Blommers traveled to Paris despite the ongoing Franco-Prussian War, a city that left a lasting impression on him. He frequently returned there, enriching his artistic perspective. Upon his return to the Netherlands, Blommers became a vital part of the second generation of the Hague School, alongside notable artists like Jozef Israëls, Jacob Maris, and Anton Mauve. This period marked a shift in his style; from around 1890, his paintings became more loosely painted and expressive, though he continued to focus on maritime and genre subjects.

Blommers also played an active role in promoting Dutch art. He helped establish the Hollandsche Teeken-Maatschappij (Dutch Drawing Society) and was instrumental in organizing exhibitions for Dutch painters. In 1912, he was commissioned to create a portrait of Andrew Carnegie for the newly constructed Peace Palace in The Hague, highlighting his recognition and respect in artistic circles.

Though Blommers experienced modest success during his lifetime, his works gained considerable appreciation posthumously. His paintings became highly sought after by collectors from England, Scotland, and America. Blommers also contributed to the art world as a teacher, mentoring several students, including the American painter Caroline van Hook Bean, who later became his daughter-in-law in 1913.

Bernardus Johannes Blommers remains a celebrated figure in Dutch art history, remembered for his evocative portrayals of everyday life and his contributions to the Hague School.