Kees Maks
(1876-1967)
The Hogeschool driver Jean Houcke in Carré, Amsterdam
Signed lower right
Oil on canvas, 34.5 × 37.1 cm
Provenance:
– Acquired directly from the artist, then by descent
– Auction Sotheby's, Amsterdam, 26 May 2005
- Private collection, the Netherlands
Note:
In addition to female riders, Maks also painted famous haute école riders, including the brilliant equestrian and circus director Jean Houcke (1878-1973), recognizable by his dark mustache. He rode the famous horse Melaoli, which had once been a world champion. Together, they attracted many horse sports enthusiasts to the circus. Interestingly, Maks himself enjoyed horseback riding and frequented the Hollandsche Manege in Vondelstraat. It is rumored that one of the female riders in Paris was so impressed by his riding style that Maks was asked to perform a circus act with her, but he declined the offer.

Maks often painted his beloved riders and circuses in Carré in Amsterdam. The building, now known as a theatre, was originally established as a circus theater by Oskar Carré. All the famous circuses of that time performed there, including the renowned Fratellini brothers with their clown act.

Second photo: Jean Houcke, equestrian and circus director (c. 1930) © Circopedia Archive
* Condition report available upon request