Lodewijk (Louis) Soonius (The Hague, 10 March 1883 – The Hague, 9 March 1956) was a Dutch painter and draughtsman, best known for his sunny beach scenes with playing children and donkeys.
Early Life and Education
Louis Soonius grew up in a Roman Catholic family in The Hague. His father, Wilhelmus Johannes Soonius, was a vegetable grower, and his mother, Maria Amerentia Hartwig, cared for the family. At the age of 17, Soonius began drawing and in 1900 he joined the Plateelbakkerij Rozenburg as a painter. Around 1905 he began his education at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague.
Career and Artistic Development
In 1913, Soonius received the Royal Subsidy for Free Painting, which enabled him to fully focus on painting. After the First World War he joined the Haagsche Schetsclub, where he exhibited nudes and became better known. His work was presented by various art dealers, including Kunsthandel Kreijns & Zoon’s in Rotterdam.
In the late 1920s Soonius had financial difficulties and illustrated novels for publisher J.N. Voorhoeve to generate additional income. The 1930s were more successful; he held various exhibitions and in 1939 he painted a portrait of Queen Wilhelmina for the Bataafse Petroleum Maatschappij. Just before the outbreak of the Second World War his work was on display at the exhibition "Onze kunst van het heden" (Our art of the present) in the Rijksmuseum.
Style and Themes
Soonius is known for his sunny, colorful beach scenes with figures, as well as harbor, sea and cityscapes. He drew his inspiration from The Hague and its surroundings, especially Scheveningen, where he captured the summer beach fun with playing children and bathers. He was a member of the Haagse Kunstkring.
Legacy
Louis Soonius continued to paint actively until his death on March 9, 1956, one day before his 73rd birthday. His works are still appreciated and can be found in various collections and museums.
