Bernard Pothast, Dutch 1882-1966- The reading lesson; oil on canvas, signed 'Pothast' (lower right), 75.5 x 65.5 cm. ARR. Provenance: Private Collection. Note: Pothast was celebrated for his maternal scenes, consisting largely of somewhat romanticised depictions of mothers. The present work is characteristic of his treatment of the subject matter, with a family group situated an understated interior, lit by a soft, natural light pouring through the window to the left of the composition. The muted hues of yellow and red of the sitters’ clothes are typical of his palette. Pothast’s scenes are highly moralistic, extolling the role of the mother in educating and shaping the future generations. This approach is also suggested by the pared-back setting, which implies a modesty and simplicity which Pothast appears to be depicting in a positive light. Such works undeniably demonstrate the influence of earlier Dutch interior and genre painters such as Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) and Pieter de Hooch (1629-1684). For an extremely similar work by the artist depicting the same three figures in a similar composition, see Anon. sale, Christie's, London, 21 March 1986, lot 18.Please refer to department for condition report