“Jan Verschoor’s work is a prime example of elegance – we call it ‘solidified perfection’,” says Willem de Winter of fine art dealers E.J. van Wisselingh & Co. During PAN Amsterdam, he presents sculptures made by Jan Verschoor.

“Jan’s work has a unique signature characterized by flowing forms and a smooth, polished finish. You want to look at his creations from all sides, touch them, feel them. In the natural look and the apparent ease with which they seem to be made, one recognizes Jan’s craftsmanship and talent. We are very pleased we’re able to display his sculptures in our stand at PAN Amsterdam,” De Winter continues.

He tells us that Jan’s work is in good company. “This year, we also have sculptures by Mari Andriessen, Charlotte van Pallandt and Theresia van der Pant. Our highlights are a rare Edgar Fernhout from 1957 and two oil paintings by Jan Mankes. They match very well with Jan’s work.”

We are very pleased we’re able to display his sculptures in our stand at PAN Amsterdam’

Abstract work of Jan Verschoor

Jan verschoor zuidas magazine

Work of Jan Verschoor

Aesthetic perfection and exquisite craftsmanship are key to Jan Verschoor’s work. For many years he has been receiving support from artist Rob Brünnmayer who takes care of the technical realization of Jan’s sculptures and the finish of the material. They started working together way back in 1962 when, having just graduated from art school, they made pieces for theatre, opera and TV productions. They invested the money they earned in creating their own works of art.

Jan attended the Rijksacademie in Amsterdam in the 60s, a time when the focus was still firmly on figurative art and realism. Jan, however, preferred abstract art as it offers more scope for experimenting with shapes and materials. He was one of the first artists to work with plastics. And he also delved into the possibilities of working with aluminium, copper, wood, glass, brass, zinc and even corroded iron. Later in his career, he opted for more classic materials such as bronze and natural stone.

After obtaining his degree, Jan dedicated himself to making abstract works of art. He got his first major assignment in 1971: a large, exposed sphere of white polyester for the central hall of the Congress Centre in The Hague. This work can still be admired at the original location.

Jan van der Togt

In the late 70s, Jan van der Togt, founder of the Tomado Company, is reading the Financieel Dagblad newspaper when he sees a picture of one of Jan’s sculptures on display at the Bouma Art Gallery in Amsterdam. Van der Togt visits the gallery and decides to buy the sculpture on the spot. Jan personally delivers the sculpture at Van der Togt’s home in Antwerp, Belgium.

Jan Verschoor’s work has a unique signature characterized by flowing forms and a smooth, polished finish’

This meeting marks the beginning of a special friendship between the then 72-year old former entrepreneur and the young sculptor. Together they visit art fairs, galleries and museums, not only looking at art but also buying interesting pieces. Van der Togt is thoroughly enjoying these trips and Jan is involved in every purchase. As a result, Van der Togt’s collection is growing rapidly.

Museum Jan van der Togt

Slowly the idea arises to build a museum dedicated to Van der Togt’s ever-expanding art collection. In 1991, Amstelveen celebrated the opening of one the first private museums in the Netherlands: Museum Jan van der Togt. Alongside his work as a sculptor, Verschoor acted as the museum’s director for 25 years. Museum Jan van der Togt never stopped collecting Jan’s work. Sculptures by Jan Verschoor are on permanent display at the museum and the adjoining Museumhuis.

During PAN Amsterdam (19 to 26 November 2017) Jan’s work is on display at fine art dealers E.J. van Wisselingh & Co (stand 110).