Willy Sluiter (1873–1949)
Portrait of the Artist Henry Reuterdahl
Signed, dated, and annotated in the lower right corner: "Willy Sluiter/05" and "Neval war will be between Japan and America – Yes sir! Henri Reuterdahl"
Chalk on paper
28 x 20 cm
Framed: -

Condition:
Very good

Provenance:
Private collection, The Hague

Information:
This striking drawing by Dutch artist Willy Sluiter (1873–1949) depicts the Swedish-American painter Henry Reuterdahl (1871–1925), renowned for his atmospheric depictions of maritime subjects. Reuterdahl served as the official painter for the U.S. Navy, documenting significant naval events, including the famous Great White Fleet. Sluiter’s bold and expressive drawing pays tribute to Reuterdahl by portraying him against the backdrop of the American flag in vibrant, contrasting colors.

Executed with a blend of chalk and graphite, Sluiter demonstrates his exceptional ability to convey character with minimal means. The bold, precise lines of Reuterdahl’s coat and hat stand in stark contrast to the softer, vivid tones of the flag in the background, which symbolically frames the artist as an important cultural figure in America. The rays of light in the upper section of the composition further emphasize Reuterdahl’s significance and influence in both artistic and naval circles.

Willy Sluiter, known for his caricatures and portraits of cultural and artistic personalities, brings a sense of immediacy to this image through dynamic lines and a keen eye for detail. His ability to capture both the gravity and unique character of his subject is evident here. This drawing represents a remarkable moment in the transatlantic cultural exchange of the early 20th century.

The handwritten text at the bottom of the drawing, "Neval war will be between Japan and America – Yes sir!", seems to allude to tensions between Japan and the United States. Given the timing and context of this work, created in 1905, it may reflect the growing geopolitical tensions in the region following the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), during which Japan demonstrated its emerging military power.

While a direct conflict between Japan and America seemed distant at the time, the remark can be interpreted as a prescient reflection on potential future confrontations, which ultimately materialized during World War II.

The inscription, possibly added with a lighthearted or ironic tone, evokes a sense of caution while shedding light on the conversations and concerns in international circles of the time. The phrase "Yes sir!" reinforces a feeling of inevitability or affirmation regarding such a future conflict, lending the drawing a historical dimension that extends beyond its portrayal of Reuterdahl himself.