Herman ten Kateartist • painter • watercolourist • draughtsmanDen Haag 1822-1891

H.F.C. ten Kate was famous in his time for his historic genre scenes of military drinking or playing cards. He also painted various events from the 80 Years War, when the Dutch revolt against the Spanish. The painter favoured the art of watercolour, of which in the fine treatment of detail or the precise placing of red and blue colour accents he was the consummate master. The interest for history and making references to 17th century Holland was a typical 19th century phenomenon. Johannes Bosboom, for instance, staffaged his paintings with figures in 17th century dress. After 1850 Ten Kate painted Rococo scenes and national historic events.