Origins and History of Kunsthandel P. de Boer
Kunsthandel P. de Boer was founded in 1922 by Piet de Boer. Established in Amsterdam, the gallery was built upon a specialization in Dutch and Flemish Old Master Paintings. During the early years of the firm, Piet de Boer was joined by his brother, Dolf. This family-led enterprise has since facilitated the sale of over 10,000 paintings throughout its history.
The business has expanded its reach beyond the Netherlands, maintaining branches in Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland. The continuity of the firm is maintained by the third generation of the family. Niels de Boer currently serves as the director, continuing the work established by his grandfather and father. The gallery remains a specialist in the field of Old Master paintings, maintaining its focus on the 17th century while also holding works from the 16th and 18th centuries.
The Historic Canal House Architecture
The gallery is housed in a late 17th-century canal house located on the Herengracht in Amsterdam. This building was originally constructed for Pieter Six, the nephew of Jan Six I. The current location was acquired by the firm in 1927, following an earlier period when the gallery was situated on the Prinsengracht.
The architecture of the premises contains significant historical layers. The second floor incorporates the structural remains of a 16th-century house brought from Edam. This integration creates a period room designed to display Early Dutch, Flemish, German, and Italian works. The interior is decorated with antique furniture, maintaining the character of a traditional merchant house.
Specialized Collections and Art Focus
The gallery maintains a primary focus on Dutch and Flemish Old Master paintings. While the inventory includes works from the 16th and 18th centuries, the core of the collection emphasizes the 17th century. This specialization reflects a long-standing commitment to the traditions of the Northern European masters.
In 1964, Piet de Boer bequeathed a significant portion of his private holdings to the P. & N. De Boer Foundation. This gift consisted of approximately 100 paintings and 500 drawings. These works remain distinct from the commercial stock held by the gallery. The foundation's holdings provide a stable basis for the institution's historical continuity.
The current selection includes various subjects ranging from portraiture to still life. Notable examples within the catalog include:
- Tulips, roses, a bluebell, narcissus, lily of the valley in a glass vase, 1610 - Ambrosius Bosschaert
- Still life with shells and a jewel box, 1653 - Willem Kalf
- Portrait of a man, 1508 - Quinten Metsys
- A dune landscape with a distant view of Haarlem, 1652 - Jacob van Ruisdael
Exhibitions and Research Activities
The gallery maintains a consistent program of in-house exhibitions. Historically, Piet de Boer established the institution's scholarly reputation through organized exhibitions focused on specific lineages and styles. These included studies of the Brueghel dynasty, the works of Joos de Momper, and the still life painters associated with the Bosschaert group. Such focused inquiries reflect the long-standing expertise of the firm in Dutch and Flemish Old Masters.
The current exhibition schedule includes an annual exhibition of contemporary artists organized by Jacky. This practice provides a periodic contrast to the primary focus on 16th and 17th-century works. The gallery and the P. & N. De Boer Foundation operate from the Herengracht canal house, utilizing the space to present these diverse selections to the public.