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painting

Catalog Number
2019.46.1
Description
Painting, on glass, of a farm in winter.  A split rail fence is visible in the foreground.  Several buildings appear in the background.  The sky is overcast.
History
This painting, done by Henry "Dutch Hank" Woudstra, was done on a pane of glass from a discarded window. Dutch Hank always painted backwards. The foreground came first and the background last.

Dutch Hank was born on 1-24-1889 in Hemelumer Oldeferd, Netherlands. He came to the US in 1917. While on Ellis Island he was drafted into the US Army. Before being sent overseas, Dutch Hank crashed his motorcycle, injuring his leg. As a result he was assigned to kitchen duty in France. While in France he was reported dead.

Upon returning to Holland after the war, alive, Dutch Hank became a house painter. He was also an artist, painting murals in people's homes and garages and painting on panes of glass.

Dutch Hank married Geerlovina "Fannie" Buurman on 10-13-1921 in Holland, MI.

He passed away in Holland, MI on 10-11-1970.
Gift of
Woudstra, James