Army revue on the Renkumse Heath

About this artwork.

Otto Eerelman (1839 - 1926) was a student from the Minerva Academy in Groningen and a student of the painter J.H. Egenberger with whom he took drawing and painting lessons. After that, he became mainly known as a painter, etching and lithographer thanks to his realistic sketches and paintings of dogs and horses. In 1867 Eerelman was asked to teach at the Minerva Academy and, in addition to his work as a teacher, he received assignments for various portraits. Many Groningen residents allowed themselves to be immortalized by Eerelman. As a painter, he made various portraits of Princess Wilhelmina in her early years and later as Queen.

In 1898 Eerelman painted Army revue on the Renkumse Heath, the first army review of Queen Wilhelmina (1880 - 1962) on the Renkumse Heath near Wolfheze. Fifteen days after her inauguration, Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Emma (1858 - 1934) visited the Renkumse Heath. A weapons show was organized especially for the young queen. The military spectacle was impressive. Spectators from near and far gathered to catch a glimpse of the whole. Queen Wilhelmina appeared on the Heath, dressed in a white equestrian costume with a high black hat. She arrived in Amazon sitting - both legs on one side - on a brown horse, accompanied by generals and her staff. As the generals and authorities approached Her Majesty with hats taken off and rifle presented, Wilhelmina said in a loud voice: 'Good morning, my lords, let the gentlemen put on the hats; it's too cold.'

Many may know the name Otto Eerelman because of the Otto Eerelmanstraat in the ‘Painters district’, named after him. Eerelman was a master in painting horses and dogs. His fabric expression when painting the fur of these animals testifies to his mastery.

Facts & Figures.

• Artist(s)
  Otto Eerelman

• Year of creation
  1898

• Dimensions (in cm)
  95x125

• Collection
  Town Hall Collection

• Technic
  Oil paint on canvas