John Henry Vanderpoel, “Mattie Winston,” Watercolor and Gouache on Paper, c. Late 19th Early 20th Century

John Henry Vanderpoel, "Mattie Winston," Watercolor and Gouache on Paper, c. Late 19th Early 20th Century

Mattie Winston modeled for Vanderpoel in Delavan, Wisconsin. She is wearing a light-blue printed dress with a satin sheen. There is ruffled netting at the top of the shallow V-shaped collar and a large decorative knot of netting at the front. Winston wears a dark-blue bow in her light brown hair, which is worn up in a typical turn-of-the-century fashion. Her head is tilted down and she is looking up. The background of the portrait is dark and the right side of the canvas is slightly lighter.

18 5/8 x 14 5/8″

John Henry Vanderpoel

(1857-1913)

John Henry Vanderpoel came to the United States from Holland at the age of 11. He received his first portrait instruction at the Academy of Design (the forerunner of the Art Institute of Chicago) under James F. Gookins and H.F. Spread. After further study in Paris under Boulanger and Lefebre, he returned to Chicago to teach at the Art Institiute from 1888-1913. His book The Human Figure (1907) is considered one of the greatest textbooks on art every published. Vanderpoel is known for giving summer courses at the Eagle’s Nest camp and in Delevan, Wisconsin.

The Aram Public Library in Delevan, Wisconsin has some Vanderpoel art. You can also see his work in the John H. Vanderpoel Memorial Art Gallery, which is operated by the Chicago Park District.