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Mari Andriessen (Dutch, 1897-1979) - Hoofd op Sokkel, Bronze, c. 1950-1970

Bronze portrait bust by Mari Andriessen on a stone pedestal inside a glass display case at Holland Heritage Gallery. - view 1
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Estimated value

$2,500 - $3,500

Rarity

Scarce(6/10)

Category

Art

Brand

Holland Heritage

Era

Mid-20th Century

Origin

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Artist / Creator

Mari Andriessen

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
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MARI ANDRIESSEN (DUTCH, 1897-1979) - HOOFD OP SOKKEL, BRONZE, C. 1950-1970: IDENTIFICATION

A cast bronze portrait bust featuring a textured, expressive surface typical of the Haarlem School. The subject depicts a female head with swept hair, mounted on a dark basalt or granite rectangular plinth. The construction displays lost-wax casting characteristics with visible tool marks in the bronze surface, reflecting the artist's traditional figurative approach.

Compare with other artworks in the archive: Guillaume Corneille (Dutch, 1922-2010) - Abstract Composition, Mixed Media on Paper, 1962, Contemporary Impasto Seascape with Pilings, "Excellent" Bronze Equestrian Sculpture.

PERIOD & ATTRIBUTION

Mari Andriessen was a central figure in 20th-century Dutch sculpture, primarily recognized for his war memorials such as 'De Dokwerker' in Amsterdam (1952). This specific bust demonstrates his shift toward humanistic, intimate portraiture during the mid-to-late post-war period. The Holland ...
Mari Andriessen was a central figure in 20th-century Dutch sculpture, primarily recognized for his war memorials such as 'De Dokwerker' in Amsterdam (1952). This specific bust demonstrates his shift toward humanistic, intimate portraiture during the mid-to-late post-war period. The Holland Heritage Gallery label associates this work with the artist's established market presence in the Netherlands.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

The artist’s most famous work, 'The Dockworker', commemorates the February Strike of 1941, the first public protest against Nazi Jewish persecution in occupied Europe.

SCARCITY

Scarce80-90%
CommonLegendary

Genuinely harder to find. Perhaps only dozens come to market annually. Collectors actively watch for these pieces.

Rarity 6/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 11 art items at rarity 6 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Dozens per year at market
  • Documented provenance valued
  • Active collector pursuit

Confidence Factors

  • Presence of a professional gallery label from a specialized regional dealer
  • Stylistic consistency with known portrait works by the artist
  • Surface patina and casting technique align with mid-20th century Dutch foundry standards
How does authenticity detection work?

THE ART SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Museum-Trained Art Historian

Connoisseur

High confidence is based on the clear identification from a reputable gallery label, combined with the distinct and verifiable style of a major Dutch sculptor.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Gallery label explicitly identifies the artist and title 'Hoofd op sokkel'
  • 2The 30 cm height matches the documented scale of Andriessen's residential-sized bronzes
  • 3Expressive, rough-hewn modeling is diagnostic of Andriessen’s figurative style
  • 4Pricing at €2,750 (approx. $2,950) aligns with recent Venduehuis der Notarissen auction results

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Locate the foundry mark (typically found on the rear neck or lower edge of the bronze)
  • →Verify presence of an edition number (e.g., 2/6) signifying the cast sequence
  • →Examine the underside of the stone base for possible inventory numbers or previous labels

CONDITION & GRADE

Excellent

Grading breakdown

Original patina is well-preserved with no visible scratches or abrasions to the metal; the mount is secure and remains in a professionally cleaned state.

Condition

The patina appears stable with no evidence of bronze disease or significant calcification. The stone plinth shows minor edge wear consistent with gallery handling.

ART MARKET VALUATION

$2,500 - $3,500

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Specialist collectors of Dutch post-war art and institutional buyers focusing on mid-century figurative sculpture.

What increases value

  • •Artist's prestige as a major national monument creator
  • •Stability and quality of the green-brown patina
  • •Originality of the stone plinth

What lowers value

  • •Lack of foundry mark may affect top-tier valuation
  • •Market for traditional figurative bronze is regionally focused in Northern Europe

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Provenance from a major Dutch estate
  • •Early cast lifetime editions marked by a known foundry such as Binder

Grade & condition

Condition of the patina, integrity of the casting surface, and sharp edges on the stone base.

Rarity & demand

ScarceModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar art objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

LI

Lizzeny
The Keeper•10 items

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