Jits Bakker

Klimmer Climber Bronze Contemporary Figurative Cyclist Sculpture Bike Men New

2024

Jits Bakker (1937–2014) was a Dutch visual artist deeply inspired by classical mythology and Renaissance ideals. Though best known internationally as a sculptor, his artistic talents spanned a wide range of disciplines including painting, drawing, watercolor, glass art, graphic techniques, and jewelry design. Bakker began his career as a painter rooted in Impressionism but later developed a bold Expressionist style influenced by Fauvism. He was passionate about plein air painting, capturing landscapes with emotional intensity and vibrant color. His diverse body of work reflects a deep connection to nature, personal experience, and classical themes. In 1962, he began working with glass mosaics, drawn to the interplay of color and light, and he remained active in this medium throughout his life. He also saw his jewelry as miniature sculptures and treated each piece with the same artistic integrity as his larger works. Bakker embodied the Renaissance principle of the "universal man," constantly exploring new creative fields and rejecting the idea of artistic specialization. His life’s work is a testament to versatility, craftsmanship, and timeless expression. He studied at ArtEZ in Arnhem and held numerous exhibitions across Europe and the U.S., with permanent installations and high-profile commissions, including for royalty and international institutions.