Matthias Withoos in dialogue with his descendant Hans Withoos

Born in Amersfoort, Matthias Withoos (1627-1703) learned painting from Jacob van Campen and Otto Marseus van Schrieck. After a period of study in Rome, he returned to Amersfoort and became internationally known for his large-scale city views and richly detailed still lifes. Withoos had eight children with his wife, five of whom he trained as painters: Johannes, Pieter, Alida, Maria and Frans. Especially floral still lifes can be found in the œuvres of the painter family.

The exhibition »A different Light on Withoos« is special in two respects: it is the first major retrospective of Matthias Withoos and at the same time an amalgamation of 17th and 21st century artworks from one family. Works by photographer Hans Withoos (*1962) from his series Withoos meets Withoos, The People are placed in direct relation to the paintings of his ancestors, which he has commented on photographically. His photographs look like modern, partly surrealistic versions of the 17th century paintings.

From December 12, 2021 to May 08, 2022, the approximately 90 exhibits can be viewed at Museum Flehite in Amersfoort. A highlight of the exhibition is planned for February: That's when the approximately two-by-four-meter painting View on Amersfoort by Matthias Withoos will be integrated into the show. The painting has been under restoration since April 2021 and is considered one of the largest painted city views in Dutch painting.