In the Amsterdam Museum I saw this display of a painting of Mathilde Willink and the original dress next to it. There is quite a story to tell about this woman. When she was 21 she met the 60 years old famous Dutch painter Carel Willink. He invited her to live together at his place in Amsterdam and they married in 1969. Willink painted many portraits of her as this one.
Mathilde in the meantime, lead a turbulent society life in Amsterdam apart from her husband and spent thousands of euros at outrageous dresses made by dutch designer "Fong Leng". This one is made of leather with applications.
The painter finally got enough of her lifestyle and wanted a divorce. He made this last portrait of her named "Goodbye Mathilde". She got so angry she destroyed several paintings of him with a knife. After the divorce her life went downhill into the drugs scene and in 1977 she was found death on her bed, naked with a pistol next to her. Until today the mystery has never been solved, it was suicide or murder. She was 39 years old.
Linking to "Our World Tuesday"
Oh my. I like your photography... perfect. After her knife tantrum it's easy to understand why the divorce.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGoodness what a life. Her first big mistake was marrying a man old enough to be her grandfather, it could never end well 😃
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat a sad ending, I agree with Grace, why marry someone a few generations older? It could never end well!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThe portrait is great and so is the dress.
Dearest Sami,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIndeed, she was stupid in her decision to marry someone that much older, especial at the tender age of 21.
She had 18 wild years before she was found dead... Sad.
The painting was very realistic though!
Hugs,
Mariette
Good she didn't take a knife to old Carel. He was a great painter.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWow, what a story. I was trying to guess what the dress was made of from the first photo. Never would have guessed leather. And now I'm thinking how heavy it must have been to wear.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenZe was een opmerkelijke verschijning!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat a sad story - it sounds as if her turbulent life was destined to end badly for her - the dress is really quite beautiful and unique.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenQuite a story!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat an interesting story. Not a match made in heaven.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat a story behind the work.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenEye-popping dress; tragic life.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenInteresting art and a mysterious end to a character.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenReminds me a bit if the Anna Nichole Smith saga. So tragic.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat a sad ending. But a lovely dress.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWow! That is some story.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenSuch a huge age difference between the painter and his bride! Too bad she made such poor choices. Loved the dress.
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