An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
Piano Practice Interrupted, Willem Bartel van der Kooi, 1813h 147cm × w 121cm
Willem Bartel van der Kooi
oil on canvas
In the gentle lands of Friesland, where the skies stretch wide and the fields blossom with an effortless beauty, lived an artist named Van der Kooi. He had a special gift—a deep understanding of the innocence and joy of childhood. With his brush, he painted not just figures but the very essence of youth.
One serene day, Van der Kooi captured a moment worth freezing in time: a group of children, caught in a playful whirlwind of laughter and spontaneity. If you were to glance at the painting, you might think it was simply a snapshot of their carefree spirits—a genuine portrait of joy. The smiles, the movement, they beckoned a story.
But look closer, and a different tale begins to unravel. Each child, although seemingly lost in their game, stood in a carefully orchestrated triangular formation. This arrangement, while appearing effortless, was anything but. Van der Kooi, with a discerning eye, had composed them like notes in a symphony, intertwining spontaneity with precision.
In that quiet moment, one could feel the blurry line between reality and imagination beginning to fade. Was this scene pulled from the depths of Van der Kooi's memory, or did it spring from his creative mind, painting pictures unseen? The answer hung like soft whispers in the air, inviting viewers to ponder the beauty within both authenticity and fantasy.
As you step back from the painting, a sense of tranquility envelopes you. In those playful faces, in the delicate balance of art and imagination, Van der Kooi reminds us that sometimes, the stories behind the canvas are just as enchanting as the images they portray.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best place to view Rijksmuseum‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.