Siemen Dijskstra, “Through the Uitbuizer Wad n°2, Oude Westereems”, 2011, collection of the artist, photo Bert de Vries

The lead exhibition at Fondation Custodia was advertised as “Studi & Schizzi”, Italian drawings from 1450 to 1700, and this is what Frits Lugt‘s exceptional collection is all about. Thousands of classical drawings collected until his death in Paris in  July 1970. A group of exceptional drawings, which are now progressively put online for the researchers’ benefit and the first 600 pieces can already be consulted. I searched for Leonardo and found 15 drawings! But what took me by surprise this time, is the series of wood prints by Siemen Dijkstra, a 50 year old artist from the North of the Nederlands, who lives in the woods and creates the most singular drawings and large prints.

Anna Metz, the Ferry, 2002, collection of the artist

Anna Metz, a refined and elegant artist from Rotterdam, is also shown on the first floor and many of her etchings (eaux fortes) are collected by the Custodia foundation.  Her fist works were very autobiographical and I liked her way of comparing her art to that of raising children. The surprises are similar. The 80 year old artist works with metal plates and constantly adds details to the prints so that no two works are the same. Her vitality is extraordinary. Some are almost abstract black and white, others are very colorful. Her extreme sensitivity is always felt.

Lorenzo di Credi, Study for a drape of a seated figure, ca 1478-1480 Fondation Custodia 

85 Italian drawings were chosen amid the 600 of the collection with three themes in mind: “Study of the figure”, “Space and figure” and “Light and figure”. This fairly technical classification allows the curator Maud Guichané to show Guercino’s “Five studies for Marie-Madeleine”, Filipino Lippi’s three studies for a young man wearing a coat”, Francesco Curradi’s “Man wearing a beard” and so many other sanguines and inks from the 16 th and 17 th century.

Siemen Dijkstra, De Bork, 1999-2017, collection of the artist, photo Bert de Vries

But I have to admit, I had a weakness for Siemen Dijkstra’s work, especially when he explained the long hours he spent cutting his wood plate to accommodate new lines. His etchings could be mistaken for photographs from afar, such is their preciseness and each detail of his woods and sea views is a miracle.

Do not miss these three exhibitions at the charming Fondation Custodia.  The atmosphere is very intimate and the excellence of the research is seen in every room. Its director Gert Luijten makes sure that every visitor is welcome in style and useful booklets are generously handed out. The scrupulous work on framing and hanging of the pictures is matched by the beauty of the premises…Until May 10, 121 rue de Lille.