Mesdag & Van Houten

This house on the Damsterdiep in Groningen was home to a remarkable family of artists, whose work can be seen at the Fraeylemaborg.

Sientje Mesdag van Houten (1834-1909) was born in this house. She married Hendrik Willem Mesdag (1831-1915), also from Groningen, the internationally renowned painter of the sea. The couple settled in The Hague, where Sientje developed her artistry. She shared her studio for a few years with her niece, the quirky etcher and painter Barbara van Houten (1862-1950).

In the house on the Damsterdiep, the next generation of Van Houten was born. Of the six children, Gerrit van Houten (1866-1934) and Alida van Houten (1868-1960) became artists. Gerrit full of passion and conviction. Alida had a broader interest and was also interested in music.

The legacy of the five artists is scattered among museums and private collections throughout the country. In Groningen, the Gerrit van Houten Foundation manages an extensive collection from its home on the Damsterdiep. This foundation bought the Fraeylemaborg in 1972 to continue displaying the work of the creative family. The Van Houten family not only painted, they also collected. During your visit to the Fraeylemaborg, be surprised by Antonio Mancini (1852-1930) and Suze Robertson (1855-1922).