Tinus De Jongh

Martinus Johannes 'Tinus' de Jongh (1885-1942) emerged as one of South Africa's most beloved painters, leaving an indelible mark on the country's artistic landscape.

Self-taught, de Jongh embarked on his artistic journey initially as a decorator in the Netherlands before dedicating himself entirely to painting. His talent garnered early recognition when the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam acquired one of his early works. In 1921, he ventured to South Africa, where the vibrant light and picturesque landscapes ignited a transformation in his artistry.

Initially rooted in a sober style influenced by Dutch traditions, de Jongh's palette evolved under the African sun, embracing more vibrant and saturated colours. His signature approach of depicting Cape landscapes, often featuring gabled farmhouses, resonated deeply with audiences, leading to a surge in demand for his works. This demand prompted de Jongh to adopt a broader palette knife technique, allowing him to capture the essence of South Africa's natural beauty with dynamic strokes and textures.

De Jongh's artistic prowess extended beyond painting; his etchings, distributed through dealer Louis Woolf, found widespread acclaim and were sought after by art enthusiasts across the country. Despite his untimely passing from lung cancer in 1942, de Jongh's legacy endures through his son Gabriel de Jongh, who followed in his father's footsteps as a distinguished landscape artist in South Africa.