Dutch composition student Thijmen Krijgsman sought inspiration for his One Minute Symphony in The Hague's Mesdag Collection. He was given an inspiring tour of the magnificent collection by manager Wite de Savornin Lohman.

Thijmen is fascinated by the artist Mesdag, whose vision and unique approach to art deeply inspire him. For Mesdag, it was not necessary for a painting to be "finished"; the process and interpretation were paramount. Therefore, the paintings that hang in the museum's collection were chosen with care, because they say something about the artist's spirit and personal taste.

One of the striking features of Mesdag's work is his masterful use of light. For example, in some of his paintings he chose to subtly illuminate the moon, while the ships that were central to the picture were given less emphatic attention. This shows how Mesdag himself determined what was "finished"; he determined the focus and experience he wanted to create.

The Hague School, with its innovative and often radical approach to painting Dutch landscapes and capturing everyday life, had a profound influence on Thijmen. Mesdag was inspired by this to develop a different way of seeing and to renew his art. This movement sought authenticity and wanted to use art to provoke discussion, focusing on Dutch subjects. Thijmen feels that same curiosity and urge to explore new perspectives.

Mesdag was also seen in Thijmen's eyes as a pioneer who went beyond the traditional, a man with an innovative spirit. His most beautiful painting, which he once saw in the Rijksmuseum, made a deep impression on him and confirmed the influence the Hague School had had on him. Thijmen understands that art is a quest, a reflection of the times and the artist's personal vision.

A special discovery for Thijmen is that Mesdag, in a very distant past, was connected to his own family, which further triggered his admiration and respect for the artist. Mesdag represented a time when artists were not afraid to break new ground, Thijmen has been inspired by this to further develop his own way of looking and creating.

How Thijmen will incorporate all of this into his One Minute Symphony can be heard at the premiere on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at 8:15 p.m. at Amare.