<p>Bernard Pothast was born in Hal, Holland, in 1882 into an artistic family. His father, H.A. Pothast, was a successful portrait painter and his brother, W.F.A. Pothast, would become an accomplished and recognized watercolorist.</p> <p>Bernard’s first studies were at home with his father. In 1904, he enrolled in the State Academy in Amsterdam where he studied under A. Allede and Dupond. Upon completing his studies at the State Academy in 1907, he moved to Paris and enrolled in L’ Ecole des Beaux-Arts. His time there was spent studying figure painting under Gabriel Ferrier, Gustave Courtois and Edouard Sain.</p> <p>Bernard then traveled to Normandy and London. He eventually returned to Holland and settled in Laren where he remained until his death in 1966.</p> <p>Pothast paintings have been exhibited extensively in Holland, Belgium, France, England ant the United States. He is considered a successor of the Dutch genre scene made popular by Israels, Neuhuys, Bloomers, and the brothers Maris.</p> <p>Today, his paintings are extremely popular. While he produced some landscapes, his most sought after works are his interiors with mothers and children. A typical composition is a simple cottage interior with a strong light source that highlights the figures engaged in an activity – typical titles are The Reading Lesson, Admiring the Baby, Blowing Bubbles. These works are exquisitely crafted in oil on canvas and demonstrate his gift for capturing the warmth and tender mood of a moment. </p> <p>Galleries Maurice Sternberg is pleased to offer this excellent example of Bernard Pothast’s work.</p>