Ernest Sigismund Witkamp was a Dutch artist, primarily known for his work as a painter, but also as an art writer and illustrator. Born on August 13, 1854, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Witkamp showed an early interest in the arts. He received his formal education at the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten (Royal Academy of Fine Arts) in Amsterdam, a leading institution for the arts in the Netherlands.
During his career, Witkamp was part of the Amsterdamse Joffers, a group of female painters, despite being male himself. The group was known for their post-Impressionist style and focused on still lifes, portraits, and genre works, reflecting the lives of the people in the Netherlands.
Witkamp also contributed to the Dutch art scene through his writings and illustrations. His works were published in various periodicals and books, and he was recognized for his ability to communicate art criticism and theory to a broader audience.
Not much is documented about Witkamp's personal life, and his oeuvre has not received as much attention in art historical scholarship as some of his contemporaries. Nevertheless, his paintings and written works remain as a testament to his contribution to the Dutch art world of the late 19th century.
Ernest Sigismund Witkamp passed away at the young age of 43 on February 18, 1897, in his hometown of Amsterdam. His death marked the end of a career that, while not extensively documented, played a role in the rich tapestry of Dutch art history.