Gemeentehuis Breukelen, The Dutch House, Brooklyn, Breukelen, 1986

Tineke Goedhart  

Dutch Watercolour classical building portrait by Tineke Goedhart. The painting is signed and dated bottom left and resigned, dated and located on the mount. It is presented in a fine thin gilt frame with a double card mount, under glass. Original trade framing label to the backboard. A very charming watercolour rendition of a fine classical red brick building, the original Town Hall in Breukelen in the Netherlands, so closely associated with Brooklyn in the USA. Goedhart has captured the imposing facade, the classical urns flanking it and the surrounding garden (in real life leading down to a canal) of this typical piece of fine Dutch architecture. The medium of watercolour has given the whole composition a lovely ethereal softness and charm.

This watercolor painting portrays an elegant, historic mansion positioned centrally against a misty, atmospheric background. The building boasts a symmetrical facade with large, multi-paned windows, each adorned with dark curtains, enhancing the home's grandeur. The brick exterior exudes timelessness, while the entrance, accentuated by an arch and detailed door, invites intrigue. Flanking the staircase are well-manicured shrubs that ground the composition. The two prominent chimneys rise above the gabled roof, adding verticality and balance. Soft, muted tones of blue and gray envelop the scene, creating a dreamlike aura that contrasts with the more vivid, earthy hues of the mansion. The artwork expertly captures the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the structure's architectural details. This painting uniquely combines precision and a gentle touch, immersing viewers in an enchanting, bygone era.