Henk Helmantel is one of the most successful Groningen artists ever, yet his still lifes divide the art world into two groups: you either love them or you hate them. His paintings are often reminiscent of those of the old masters and are masterpieces of painterly technique. The Drents Museum is currently showing more than 80 of his paintings in a major retrospective, which makes it a good time to highlight Helmantel's lesser-known side.
1.
Although his works are the epitome of fine painting, he usually paints with coarse brushes and has no problem scratching the last layers of paint with a palette knife
2.
Even though his subjects and techniques are reminiscent of the paintings of the old masters, Helmantel prefers to use modern materials. He typically paints on masonite (a moisture-resistant type of hardboard), using an alkyd primer and modern factory paint. This is in contrast to many adherents of traditional painting who often revert to old materials and techniques. However, this often results in the paintings deteriorating prematurely, because the materials are much less reliable.
3.
He has his own museum. Museum Helmantel opened its doors in 1985 in Westeremden, in the barn area of a rebuilt, medieval parsonage farm. Alongside Helmantel’s works, there are pieces by other artists on display. The museum attracts thousands of visitors each year.
4.
He was the victim of a major art robbery. On 25 February 2000, 37 paintings, two bronze statuettes and two antique objects from Helmantel's own collection were stolen from his exhibition space (at the time the paintings had a value of 1.5 million guilders). Six months later the thieves were caught demanding a ransom from Helmantel. All the works of art were found again completely undamaged.
5.
Helmantel is highly regarded internationally. He recently had a large retrospective in Taiwan. He has also had exhibitions in the United States, Germany, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, England, France and Indonesia.