Vintage Framed ‘Rotterdam’ Illustrated Poem Print by Hans Timmer & Jan Prins | Dutch Vintage Graphic Art, 1970s

A framed Dutch illustrated poem print titled ‘Rotterdam’, featuring poetry by Jan Prins and illustrations by Hans Timmer. The print carries a 1941 publication credit from Leiter-Nypels N.V. in Maastricht and brings together Dutch literary and maritime heritage in one elongated composition.

A quiet tribute to pre-war Rotterdam, capturing the character of the city through its architecture, maritime heritage and enduring connection to the Maas, before much of its historic centre was destroyed in the bombing of May 1940.

The elongated composition combines three sections of Dutch poetry with delicate architectural and nautical illustrations. 

Hans Timmer's illustrations form an essential part of the composition. Rotterdam's Laurenskerk, traditional harbour buildings, sailing ships, industrial waterfront and maritime landmarks are depicted alongside seagulls and the city's historic coat of arms.

The illustrations are rendered in fine black lines with restrained washes of blue, green, ochre and terracotta. The warm, aged paper provides a natural background, giving the composition a distinctive vintage character.

The poem Rotterdam, originally written by Jan Prins in 1937, reflects on the city as a place of childhood, travel and belonging. Published as an illustrated print in 1941, it evokes the Rotterdam of earlier decades, with its bustling waterfront, international shipping connections and distinctive urban landscape.

The print is presented behind glass in a narrow cream-coloured frame with gold-toned detailing. Its unusually tall and slender proportions give the work a distinctive architectural presence.

An evocative example of Dutch illustrated poetry, documenting Rotterdam's maritime identity through both literature and graphic art.

Artist / Illustrator: Hans Timmer; poem by Jan Prins 
Publisher: Leiter-Nypels N.V., Maastricht 
Origin: The Netherlands 
Style: Dutch vintage graphic art 
Period: 1941 publication credit; date of this impression unconfirmed 
Materials: Printed paper, glass, framed backing board 
Color: Warm brown, cream, blue, green, terracotta and black 
Dimensions (approx.): 29.5 × 69.5 × 2 cm, including frame

Condition
Vintage condition with visible signs of age and use. The paper shows age-related discolouration, giving it a warm brown tone. The frame has small scratches, marks and areas of wear, particularly along the lower edge and corners.

Please note that there is a small crack in the glass in the bottom left corner. This is visible in the detailed photographs and should be taken into consideration.

The reverse has an aged board backing with hanging wire and labels from Kunsthandel A.J. Caveau, Rotterdam, and H. Kramer, Schiedam.

A distinctive piece of Dutch graphic history, ideal for a gallery wall, a vintage-inspired interior or a space with a personal connection to Rotterdam.