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Wouter Tulp, 'Erden aan wie wij zijn' (We are what we are), Print, 1999

Framed limited edition print by Wouter Tulp, dated 1999, featuring two large-headed figures, balloons, and tulips in a whimsical style.

Estimated value

$150 - $450

Rarity

Uncommon(5/10)

Era

Late 20th Century (1999)

Origin

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Artist / Creator

Wouter Tulp

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
27

WOUTER TULP, 'ERDEN AAN WIE WIJ ZIJN' (WE ARE WHAT WE ARE), PRINT, 1999: ORIGINS & SIGNIFICANCE

This appears to be a framed limited edition print, likely a silkscreen or lithograph, by the artist Wouter Tulp, dated 1999. The whimsical style, characterized by simplified figures and vibrant, almost childlike coloring, suggests a narrative or illustrative quality. The composition features two large-headed figures with minimal facial features, a vase of tulips, and balloons, set against a two-part background of a green landscape and a blue sky. The signature and edition number '26/199' are visible at the bottom.

GRAPHIC ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Naïve Art / Folk Art20th-21st Century

The simplified forms, bold outlines, and direct narrative are characteristic of Naïve art, which prioritizes emotional expressiveness over academic technique. This resonates with a broader appreciation for untrained or self-taught artistic expression across various cultures.

Children's Book Illustration (European tradition)20th-21st Century

The whimsical characters and vibrant palette bear a strong resemblance to the aesthetic often found in European children's book illustrations, which prioritize clarity of storytelling and approachable visual language.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •The act of collecting contemporary prints for personal enjoyment and interior decoration, reflecting individual taste and an engagement with modern artistic expressions.
  • •The use of illustrative art in domestic spaces to evoke atmosphere, conversation, or to simply bring a sense of joy and whimsy to an environment.

Meaning Through Time

Early 20th Century

Simplistic or childlike drawing could be seen as primitive or unskilled, often relegated outside the realm of 'fine art'.

Late 20th Century onwards

The adoption of naive aesthetics by trained artists, often termed 'outsider art' or 'kindergarten art,' became a deliberate stylistic choice, celebrated for its authenticity, charm, and ability to convey complex ideas through accessible imagery.

PRINT LINEAGE

The late 20th century saw a rise in accessible art forms, particularly limited edition prints, which allowed artists to reach a broader audience beyond primary gallery sales of unique works. Artists like Tulp, with their distinct illustrative style, often found success in this medium, bridging the ...
The late 20th century saw a rise in accessible art forms, particularly limited edition prints, which allowed artists to reach a broader audience beyond primary gallery sales of unique works. Artists like Tulp, with their distinct illustrative style, often found success in this medium, bridging the gap between fine art and commercial illustration. The 'kindergarten' or naive art aesthetic in contemporary works frequently reflects a desire for simplicity, directness, and a gentle critique of modern complexities.

PRESS SECRETS

1

Wouter Tulp (born 1971) is a Dutch illustrator and character designer known for his work in animation and publishing, suggesting this print might be an early personal artistic exploration or a commissioned piece related to his illustrative style.

2

The title, 'Erden aan wie wij zijn' (literally 'Earth to whom we are' or more idiomatically 'We are what we are'), points to a philosophical or observational theme often found in illustrative art that explores human nature and identity.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Uncommon70-80%
CommonLegendary

Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

Typical Characteristics

  • Limited production
  • Named makers
  • Growing collector demand

Confidence Factors

  • Signature and date are clear and consistent with known works by the artist.
  • Edition number '26/199' indicates a limited run, typical for prints.
  • The style is highly distinctive and recognizable for the artist.
How does authenticity detection work?

PRINT SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Museum-Trained Art Historian

Connoisseur

The visible signature, date, edition number, and highly recognizable style strongly attribute this to Wouter Tulp. The framing and condition appear appropriate for a print of this era, allowing for high confidence in its identification as a genuine limited edition print by the artist.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Visible artist's signature 'Wouter Tulp' and date '99' (1999) in the lower right.
  • 2Limited edition numbering '26/199' in the lower left, indicating a print.
  • 3Distinctive illustrative style consistent with known works by Wouter Tulp, a Dutch artist.
  • 4Composition and color palette typical of contemporary whimsical or narrative art.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Without direct examination of the paper and printing technique, the exact printmaking method (e.g., lithograph, silkscreen, giclée) cannot be definitively confirmed from images alone. This would affect secondary market value for some collectors.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Examine the edges of the print for deckled (rough) edges or plate marks, which can help identify printmaking technique.
  • →Verify the specific paper type and its condition outside the frame, if possible.
  • →Conduct a more thorough search for comparable prints by Wouter Tulp from the same period to establish a more precise market value.
  • →Research the specific title 'Erden aan wie wij zijn' for any documented exhibition history or scholarly mentions.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The print appears to be in very good condition, carefully matted and framed. No obvious signs of foxing, discoloration, or paper degradation are visible through the glass. The colors remain vibrant, suggesting it has been kept out of direct sunlight.

Surface

The print itself exhibits a flat, matte surface typical of silkscreen or lithographic techniques, though the brushwork visible in the original painting would have provided texture. Currently, it is protected behind glass, preventing direct assessment of the print's paper and ink texture.

Weight & feel

Given the size of the image and the framing, the item would likely feel moderately heavy, primarily due to the glass, matboard, and wooden frame.

PRINT MARKET VALUATION

$150 - $450

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BA

bagi
The Keeper•9 items

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