DMspotlight – Wilhelmina Proos

- 4 April till 15 November 2026
- Brinkzalen
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Accessibility -
Tickets
'Brilliant colours that speak of boldness and joy,' wrote one journalist about the work of Wilhelmina Proos (1888–1972).
Proos grew up in a wealthy family in Middelburg, whose fortune had been made in margarine production. She went on to study at the Rijksnormaalschool for drawing teachers in Amsterdam, where she was taught by the renowned artist Jan Sluijters.
The two remained friends for the rest of their lives. Although Sluijters’ influence can clearly be seen in her work, Proos developed a style of her own — one in which colour takes centre stage. With daring contrasts, she built her portraits, landscapes and still lifes. She was also interested in textile art and created embroidered works.
“With daring contrasts, she built her portraits, landscapes and still lifes.”
She and her husband were, however, well-regarded figures within the cultural circles of their time. They welcomed numerous artists into their home and regularly visited Jan Sluijters’ studio together, where they purchased works. Despite her skill, Proos never became known as an artist. She did not need to earn a living, and although she exhibited her work occasionally, it remained familiar only within a small circle.
It is high time to bring her into the spotlight.
Thanks to a generous donation from her grandson, this is now possible.
Undated, oil on canvas, 76,7 x 74,6 cm, Drents Museum (Donated by the grandson of Wilhelmina Proos)
Undated, oil on canvas, 79 x 69 cm, Drents Museum (Donated by the grandson of Wilhelmina Proos)
Visit
Discover this exhibition in real life. Buy your tickets for the Drents Museum now.
Most of the museum is easily accessible for people with reduced mobility. Most floors are accessible by elevator and there are wheelchair-accessible toilets. The museum has free wheelchairs, walkers and folding stools for anyone who wants to use them. Unfortunately, part of the monumental section of the museum is less accessible.
Because of the number of wheelchairs and walkers being limited, you can reserve them via +31 (0)592 - 377 773.
More information about the accessibility of the building can be found here.
Supervisors (on presentation of a public transport companion card) and registered assistance and guide dogs are of course very welcome and can enter the museum free of charge.
The Drents Museum always has a number of changing exhibitions and we also have a rich collection of our own. You can visit our own collection in our new collection presentation Labyrinthia.
All current exhibitions and presentations can be found on the exhibitions page.
More and more objects can also be found online. Learn all about your favorite object and discover new treasures!
Registered assistance or guide dogs are welcome in the museum, other pets are not.
Brasserie Pingo can be found in the heart of the old museum section. Pingo's opening hours are the same as the museum, from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Here you can drink coffee and eat cake, however salads, sandwiches and appetizers are also on the menu.
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