Johannes Dijkhoff the Younger

1795–1862, Amsterdam

Johannes Dijkhoff was a pupil of Jan Hulswit. While he can certainly be described as a “minor master”, his superb sheets show the very high artistic level attained by Dutch draughtsmen in the early 19th century. In addition to the official academic teach­ing of art there were private drawing societies, such as the Zonder Wet of Spreuk in Amsterdam, which helped to foster a sophisticated drawing culture based on sound craftsmanship. Taking their lead from the great 17th century Dutch masters, Hulswit and his contemporaries worked after nature in the immediate surroundings of Amsterdam.