Jaap Schreurs Kunstschilder

Life and Work of Jaap Schreurs (1913-1983)

Painter and father

5.1 Life and work in Utrecht with the family, continued

After the exhibition in Norg and a few preliminary studies the work ‘The Priest Choir’ was created. In the years that followed, it hung on the wall in the hallway of the boarding house – for all to see. Perhaps Jaap, after the success in Norg, had gained confidence and therefore came forward with this painting.

Study for surface divisionof "Priest Choir"

Study for Priest head

eta paint on hardboard 30x35cm

Three of Jaap's older (half) sisters opted for a monastic life. As a young lad he was also interested in this and climbed on the wall of the monastery to catch a glimpse of daily life within its walls. The peace and quiet made a pleasant impression on him, he told me. He longed for that. But gradually he also came to realize that a celibate existence did not suit him and abandoned his initial intention. Paula wanted to know more about this and once asked him: "Daddy, does God even exist?" "Yes", he said, "there is something, but you can't find it in the church. You have to find it yourself.”

Study priest head - eta paint on hardboard 30x40cm