New in the collection: Strand Zandvoort (1913) by Fritz Mock

Beach life in Zandvoort around 1913 comes to life in the watercolor Strand Zandvoort, a recently acquired work by the German-Swiss artist Fritz Mock (1867–1919). On February 6, Zandvoorts Museum purchased this exceptional watercolor through the Ubbens Art gallery. The work is a valuable addition to the collection and offers a rare glimpse of Zandvoort as a modern seaside resort at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Watercolor

The watercolor depicts a lively scene on the beach. In the foreground, children play near a sailboat, likely waiting for tourists who wish to take a trip out to sea. Behind them, the beach unfolds as it was experienced at the time: rows of wicker beach chairs, bathing machines along the waterline, and the bustling activity so characteristic of Zandvoort during this period. On the right of the image, bathing machines from another hotel can be identified by their light blue striped paintwork, a subtle detail that adds an extra layer of historical depth to the work.

Fritz Mock (1867 – 1919)

Fritz Mock was known for his refined watercolors, woodcuts, and lithographs in which he captured everyday life with keen observation and great sensitivity. Around 1913, he stayed on the Dutch coast and created several works with Zandvoort as his subject. Strand Zandvoort is signed and dated and belongs to this short but significant phase in his oeuvre, in which modern beach life takes center stage.

Acquisition

The watercolor was officially presented on February 6, 2026, by Jop Ubbens of Ubbens Art to Fokelien Renckens-Stenneberg. The work can be admired throughout the year in the Spotlight presentation at Zandvoorts Museum and invites visitors to step back into the summery atmosphere of Zandvoort, more than a hundred years ago.