Our painting, a view of the Noorderkerkhof cemetery gates in The Hague, is an excellent example of that. It shows two ladies, engaged in conversation. One is holding a parasol. The artist has astutely allowed the variety of colours in the composition to become effervescent due to the suggestion of sunlight caressing the scene. The ladies are inserted into the composition almost as miniature dolls: what concerns Weissenbruch most is the way in which light can provide a sense of warmth through interaction with physical objects.

Weissenbruch was born in The Hague in 1822. He enrolled at the local drawing academy at the early age of 14, where he stayed until 1840. He studied under the aegis of artists like Antonie Waldorp and Samuel Verveer. His natural aptitude as a draughtsman led to his participating in exhibitions both at home and abroad from 1839 onwards; throughout his career he was to continue participating in salons in Brussels, London and Paris. Indeed, it was at the Brussels Salon of 1860 that two of his works were bought by Prince Albert as a present for Queen Victoria. These works still today form part of the collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Towards the end of his life, Weissenbruch developed agoraphobia, which inevitably greatly restricted his working routine. Despite this affliction, however, he continued painting until his death in 1880.

His work can be seen in all leading Dutch museums, but is also included in renowned international institutions like the Kunsthalle Hamburg and the Hermitage in St Petersburg.