Gerarda Hermina Marius, commonly known as G.H. Marius, was a Dutch art historian and author, born on February 16, 1826, in Zutphen, the Netherlands. She was one of the first women in the field of art history in the Netherlands and is known for her significant contributions to the understanding of Dutch art, particularly Dutch Golden Age painting.
Marius received her education at the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten (State Academy of Fine Arts) in Amsterdam, a rare achievement for a woman in her time. Her career was marked by her work as an art teacher and her involvement in various art organizations. She was a member of the Arti et Amicitiae artists' society and was closely associated with many artists and intellectuals of her time.
Her most significant contribution to art history is her book, 'Dutch Painting in the Nineteenth Century,' which provided an in-depth analysis of contemporary Dutch art. The book was well-received and helped to establish her reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful art historian. Throughout her life, Marius continued to write and advocate for the arts, while also being engaged in educational activities aimed at promoting a deeper appreciation for Dutch art.
Gerarda Hermina Marius passed away on December 23, 1915, in The Hague. Her legacy is preserved through her writings and her influence on the study of Dutch art. Although not as widely known today as some of her contemporaries, Marius's work remains a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of Dutch art history.