Salomon Garf, a Dutch painter and graphic artist born to a family of diamond merchants, created “Laren met Kerkje” around 1919. The artwork depicts a serene village scene with a prominent church tower standing tall against the backdrop of a lush green landscape. Garf’s use of soft, pastel colors creates a sense of tranquility and warmth, inviting the viewer to step into the peaceful village atmosphere.
After studying fine arts at multiple schools, Garf lived in Amsterdam, where he painted portraits, rural interiors, and still lifes. He was a member of “Arti et Amicitiae,” an artist collective founded in 1839. In recognition of his artistic contributions, Garf received a golden medal in 1933 on behalf of Queen Wilhelmina. He joined the Board of Directors of “Arti et Amicitiae” in 1938, but in 1941, he was removed from his position by the German occupying forces.
Despite facing persecution, Garf joined the Dutch Resistance. He used his artistic skills to create forged identification cards for those being victimized by the Nazi regime. Unfortunately, Garf’s resistance activities led to his arrest and subsequent deportation to Auschwitz, where he was tragically killed.
Garf’s artistic legacy was preserved thanks to his art students, who rescued his artwork from his studio before it could be confiscated by the Nazis. “Laren met Kerkje” serves as a poignant reminder of Garf’s talent and his courageous resistance against the Nazi regime.
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