Downstairs V and VI

Back to historic interiors

I am still in love with the original interiors of old manor houses. Last year, Paul and I went on a short research tour, visiting several estates in the North of the country. Most of them are museums nowadays, while some are still private houses and are normally closed to the public.

Observing all those marvellous halls and drawing rooms, libraries and boudoirs is great. However, I am particularly fond of the downstairs area. It is usually less rebuilt or demolished and it has a wonderful nostalgic atmosphere inside.

Learning about how it used to be is always nice and important. The past is the foundation for the future, don't you agree?

So, I am continuing to paint my series 'Downstairs'. These two are the fifth and the sixth in the series and depict a part of the kitchen in the Mensinge manor house in Drenthe. I spent a lovely afternoon there last May, being helped by some very kind volunteers.

Downstairs V: oil on canvas 30 x 40 cm, alla prima, limited palette.

Downstairs VI: oil on panel 30 x 40 cm, alla prima, limited palette.

View the finished painting in my gallery.

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