An 18th century Dutch drawing after the work of Emanuel de witte (1617-1692). Interior of a Protestant Gothic Church with Motifs from the Oude and Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. Front signature: E. De Witte, 1677. Watermark: D&C Blauw IV. Pencil on paper drawing in need of restoration. A small tear can be found near the front signature. In the past, an extra protective layer was applied to the back to protect this work.

Craftsmanship

Emanuel de Witte (1617-1692) was a Dutch painter and draftsman. De Witte lived a poor life and could not survive on his painting skills. His specialty was painting and drawing church interiors. He painted the ‘Old Church’ in Amsterdam from just about all angles. After a turbulent and unsuccessful career, De Witte committed suicide after the landlord wanted to demand the rent he could not pay. He planned to hang himself from a bridge, but the rope broke and he fell into the water. That same evening it started to freeze severely, and his body was not found until eleven weeks later.