Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 10 works by Frits Jansen in our catalogue
In short
A Summer Afternoon (1880) is the Frits Jansen painting that draws the most eyes; the original belongs to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. After it, the eye goes to Path through Cornfield with Wildflowers and Untitled (AQZVBJ) (1900). Among the 10 works of Frits Jansen in our catalog, these 10 are the most famous, each a unique original presented with its year, its museum and the reason it endures.
In this 1880 oil painting, we find ourselves drawn into a secluded, verdant sanctuary. A solitary woman reclines within a lush landscape, her presence marked by a sense of peaceful isolation. She is positioned slightly to the right of center, a choice that lends the composition a balanced yet asymmetrical grace. Her golden-yellow dress and the crimson red of her parasol provide a sharp, intentional contrast against the overwhelming greenery…
This high-heeled sandal with tapered closed toe has a raised heel cap that ends in a loop at the back of the leg. Leather pieces that attach at the sides are crossed in front of the ankle, led through the loop at the heel and knotted. The platform sole, bevelled at the toe, and the high inward set curve of the heel lend the shoe a sculptural appearance. Dutch shoe…
Untitled (AQZVBN) by Frits Jansen: A Glimpse into Inner Turmoil Subject & Description: This compelling portrait, titled "Untitled (AQZVBN)," presents a woman with brown hair clad in a simple white dress. The focal point is her downward gaze and the subtle suggestion of a frown or deep contemplation etched upon her face. The close-up composition emphasizes the nuances of her expression, conveying a sense of distress, introspection, or perhaps quiet…
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 4 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Frits Jansen | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Rijksmuseum |
Amsterdam | 1 | A Summer Afternoon |
 Museum De Waag |
Deventer | 1 | Path through Cornfield with Wildflowers |
 University of Pretoria Museums |
Tshwane | 1 | Dutch Delft De Porceleyne Fles plate |
 Kunstgewerbemuseum |
Berlin | 1 | “Stir My Blood” High-heeled Sandal |
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
In this 1880 oil painting, we find ourselves drawn into a secluded, verdant sanctuary. A solitary woman reclines within a lush landscape, her presence marked by a sense of peaceful isolation. She is positioned slightly to the right of center, a choice that lends the composition a balanced yet asymmetrical grace. Her golden-yellow dress and the crimson red of her parasol provide a sharp, intentional contrast against the overwhelming greenery…
A Summer Afternoon (1880), Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Path through Cornfield with Wildflowers and Untitled (AQZVBJ) (1900) come next.
24 years old: A Summer Afternoon dates from 1880, and Frits Jansen was born in 1856.
A Summer Afternoon, Path through Cornfield with Wildflowers, Untitled (AQZVBJ), Untitled (AQZVBQ), Untitled (AQZVBL), Dutch Delft De Porceleyne Fles plate, “Stir My Blood” High-heeled Sandal, Untitled (AQZVBS), Untitled (AQZVBU) and Untitled (AQZVBN). The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 10 works by Frits Jansen, dated from 1880 to 1917.
Mostly in Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), Museum De Waag (Deventer) and University of Pretoria Museums (Tshwane). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1900s: 4 of the 10 works on this page were made then, Untitled (AQZVBJ) among them.
On this page, the earliest is A Summer Afternoon (1880) and the latest Dutch Delft De Porceleyne Fles plate (1917).
Frits Jansen (1856-1928) stands as a significant, yet often underappreciated, figure in the landscape of late 19th and early 20th century Dutch art. Born in The Hague, his artistic journey wasn’t one of formal academic training but rather a deeply personal exploration fueled by observation and an innate sensitivity to light and atmosphere. While he initially studied at the Hague Academy of Arts, Jansen quickly realized that traditional instruction didn't align with his vision, leading him to pursue independent study and develop a distinctive style characterized by poetic realism and a profound understanding of color.
Jansen’s early works were largely focused on capturing the everyday life of Dutch citizens – scenes of market days, leisurely gatherings in public squares, and intimate portraits. However, it was his depictions of New York City during the winter months that truly cemented his reputation. These paintings, often rendered in muted tones and layered with snow, captured a melancholic beauty, reflecting both the grandeur and the isolation of urban life. He wasn’t simply documenting a city; he was conveying an emotional response to its atmosphere – a sense of quiet contemplation amidst bustling activity.
Jansen's artistic development reveals a fascinating interplay between influences. While firmly rooted in the Dutch tradition, particularly the realism championed by artists like Anton Mauve, he was deeply impacted by the burgeoning Impressionist movement in France. The emphasis on capturing fleeting moments of light and color, as seen in the works of Monet and Renoir, is evident in Jansen’s approach to depicting atmospheric effects. Furthermore, elements of Symbolism – a fascination with mood, emotion, and subjective experience – subtly permeate his work, particularly in his use of symbolism and evocative imagery.
He was also influenced by the works of artists like Albert Pinkham Ryder, whose moody landscapes and exploration of light and shadow resonated deeply with Jansen’s own artistic sensibilities. Jansen's ability to translate these influences into a uniquely personal style is what sets his work apart – he didn’t merely imitate; he absorbed and reinterpreted, creating something entirely new.
Jansen’s technique was characterized by meticulous observation and a masterful control of color. He employed a layered approach to painting, building up tones gradually through numerous thin glazes – a method that allowed him to achieve remarkable luminosity and depth. His use of light was particularly noteworthy; he wasn't interested in simply representing the appearance of light but rather conveying its emotional impact on the scene. He often worked *en plein air* (outdoors) to directly observe and capture the nuances of natural light.
Texture played a crucial role in his work, too. He skillfully rendered the rough surfaces of cobblestone streets, the glistening snowdrifts, and the folds of clothing with remarkable detail. His brushwork was often loose and expressive, contributing to the overall sense of atmosphere and movement. The combination of these elements – light, color, and texture – created paintings that were both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Among Jansen’s most celebrated works are his series of winter scenes in New York City, including “A Winter Afternoon” (1897) and "Snowy Street" (1898). These paintings, now housed in prominent museums worldwide, exemplify his mastery of atmospheric realism. He also produced a significant body of work depicting Dutch landscapes and portraits, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Despite not achieving widespread fame during his lifetime, Frits Jansen’s legacy has grown steadily over the years. His paintings are now recognized for their poetic beauty, emotional depth, and technical brilliance. He is considered a key figure in the development of Dutch realism and a significant contributor to the broader European art scene. His work continues to inspire artists today with its evocative portrayal of light, atmosphere, and the human experience.
