Pauline Broekema on Elisabeth Hovy's Utrecht Cityscape at Het Utrechts Archief
In the most recent column of Museumtijdschrift, Pauline Broekema explores a 1901 depiction of Utrecht by Elisabeth Hovy (1873-1957), featured among 135 drawings at Het Utrechts Archief. The artwork, titled 'Overzicht van de stad Utrecht vanaf de Domkerk', captures the cityscape from the Domkerk, emphasizing the Pieterskerk. Art historian Victor Lansink commended Hovy's skillful proportions. Raised on Boothstraat, Hovy was homeschooled and pursued painting lessons despite her mother's objections. In 1902, she wed Jan Adriani and was recognized for her humility and progressive ideals. The column also highlights stonemason Johannes Flentge (1874-1941), who sought divine measurements in the Domkerk. Hovy, who painted with her left hand due to rheumatism, passed away on April 7, 1958, leaving an unfinished still life on her easel.
Key facts
- Elisabeth Hovy (1873-1957) created a 1901 cityscape of Utrecht from the Domkerk.
- Het Utrechts Archief holds 135 drawings and etchings by Hovy, mostly of churches.
- Art historian Victor Lansink showed the drawing to Pauline Broekema.
- Hovy grew up on Boothstraat in Utrecht and was homeschooled.
- She married Jan Adriani in 1902; he was a private teacher of mathematics and physics.
- Hovy frequently visited the Domkerk during restorations and learned from craftsmen.
- Johannes Flentge (1874-1941) was an eccentric stonemason who believed in a divine measurement system for the Domkerk.
- Hovy died on April 7, 1958, leaving an unfinished still life; Jan Engelman spoke at her funeral.
Entities
Artists
- Elisabeth Hovy
- Pauline Broekema
- Victor Lansink
- Jan Adriani
- Johannes Flentge
- Jan Engelman
- Bas Houba
Institutions
- Het Utrechts Archief
- Museumtijdschrift
- Domkerk
- Universiteitsbibliotheek Utrecht
- Nieuw Utrechts Dagblad
Locations
- Utrecht
- Netherlands
- Boothstraat
- Nieuwegracht
- Domkerk
- Pieterskerk