Ambacht en bezieling

: Het atelier van de Arnhemse beeldhouwer Gijs Jacobs van den Hof (1889-1965)

Abstract

The main purpose of this masterthesis is to analyse in what ways the physical functions of his studio in Arnhem did inspire the Dutch sculptor Gijs Jacobs van den Hof (1889-1965) to merge his craftmanship and artistry in his art production as of 1928 up to 1965. Gijs Jacobs van den Hof who in his avant-garde period shaped cubist, expressionist and symbolist sculptures, turned to classicism around 1928. This coincided with his decision to build a new, substantial studio in Arnhem in 1926, where he became renowned as city sculptor for almost 40 years. The prominent sculptor made free and commissioned artwork and created statues, monuments and war memorals in stone, wood, bronze and clay. He was particularly well-known for his female nudes. His sculptures were collected by multiple Dutch musea. Together with his fellow members of the Dutch Society of Sculptors Gijs Jacobs van den Hof exhibited in Paris, Budapest, Brussels and Helsinki. Alongside the development of his art practice, Gijs Jacobs van den Hof distinguished himself as an innovator, for instance by re-introducing the à cire perdue technique of bronze casting in the Netherlands and by sharing knowledge with his colleagues. Meanwhile he coached a generation of sculptors known as the descendants of the
school of Jacobs van den Hof during his teachership at the Arnhem Academy of Fine Arts. For the purpose of this study a research matrix was developed in which four essential fysical functions of the sculptor’s studio were defined. In conclusion this thesis argues that the joined processes belonging to the economic, social, artisan and artistic functions of the studio, under professional coordination by Gijs Jacobs van den Hof, did guarantee the continuity of his art production as realized within the historic context of sociocultural events during the Twentieth Century interwar as well as the post Worldwar II period. This thesis is the first detailed study regarding a Twentieth Century Dutch sculptor’s studio. Subsequently, based on the developed matrix comparative research can be conducted on the functions of and connections between other sculptor’s studios.

Date of Award	12 Jan 2021
Original language	Dutch
Supervisor	Jos Pouls (Supervisor) & Paul van den Akker (Examiner)