Jits Bakker Dutch, 1937-2014

About Jits Bakker (1937-2014)
Jits Bakker knew the classics. In fact, he cherished them in his work. The visual artist from De Bilt not only regularly referred to classical mythology, but also embraced the Renaissance ideals inspired by antiquity in his outlook on life and working methods.

In countless publications about his work that have appeared to date, the emphasis has been on Jits Bakkers sculpture. Although the practice of this visual discipline forms a major part of the oeuvre of the artist, who was born in Renkum in 1937, his artistic versatility is seriously underestimated when
his other talents are left unexplored.

He also possessed undeniable qualities as a painter, draughtsman, watercolourist, glass artist, graphic artist and jewellery maker. Little attention is usually paid to the results he achieved in these disciplines.

That is the price the artist has to pay for the international fame he acquired as a sculptor.
It is actually strange that the other aspects of his artistry have always remained somewhat underexposed. After all, Jits started his artistic career by devoting himself to painting. Initially, he worked mainly in the tradition of Impressionism, but over the years he increasingly developed into a true Expressionist.