Menso Kamerlingh Onnes (Dutch, 1860-1925)
Glass jar with honesty and thistles 1889
Watercolor with opaque white (49,7 x 37 cm)
Private collection

From 1888 to 1892, Menso shared a studio with his friend, painter Floris Verster (1861-1927). The studio was located in an attic on Vreewijkstraat in Leiden. During this period, undoubtedly stimulated by Verster, Menso developed a high artistic level. This watercolor "Glass Jar with Honesty and Thistles" was created during this prolific artistic period.

#KamerlinghOnnes #Verster #Leiden

Menso Kamerlingh Onnes (Dutch, 1860-1925)
Self-portrait
1907
Oil on canvas (99 × 71,5 cm)
Lakenhal

This is Menso Kamerlingh Onnes as an artist in his studio. In a spontaneous pose, surrounded by his attributes – Menso chooses an image as a creative individual in this self-portrait. The canvas, in the upper left corner of the image, stands between the viewer and the painter, drawing attention to his artistry. Menso's working hands hold a mixing palette and brush, while above them are various bottles, paints, and varnishes.

#KamerlinghOnnes #Lakenhal #art

Menso Kamerlingh Onnes (Dutch, 1860-1925)
Portrait of Jenny Kamerlingh Onnes
1888
Oil on canvas (200 x 148,5 cm)
Lakenhal

Of all Menso's paintings, this portrait of his sister Jenny is the most striking. Jenny poses here in a formal yet fashionable gown with long black gloves that contrast sharply with the white of her dress. Menso models the hem of the dress in angular blocks of white and gray. Jenny is 25 years old here and recently engaged to Menso's friend, the painter Floris Verster.

#KamerlinghOnnes #Lakenhal #art

One upon a time the coldest and today perhaps the wettest and windiest place in the world #KamerlinghOnnes #Leiden #HistoryofScience