Thérèse Schwartze Prize 2026 - Siegfried Woldhek

About the Thérèse Schwartze Prize 2026

The board of the Thérèse van Duyl-Schwartze Foundation has awarded the 2026 Thérèse Schwartze Prize to Siegfried Woldhek (Emmen, 1951).

According to the board, Woldhek is a compelling exponent of contemporary portraiture. His work is characterised by a masterful command of various techniques and a sharp, penetrating approach to portraiture.

About Siegfried Woldhek

With a long and varied career, Siegfried Woldhek has built up an extensive body of work in the fields of painting, drawing and printmaking. His portraits are distinguished by their technical precision, attention to detail and great expressiveness.

The board also commends his ongoing quest for innovation within the genre of portraiture.

About the prize

The Thérèse Schwartze Prize is awarded once every two to three years from the bequest of the painter Thérèse van Duyl-Schwartze. The aim of the prize is to promote portraiture and to honour artists for whom portraiture forms an important part of their body of work.

The award is based solely on the quality of the work. The prize consists of a bronze medal, designed by Eric Claus, and a cash prize.

Awards ceremony

The award ceremony will take place on 7 June at Pulchri Studio in The Hague. The award will be presented by Hans Ansingh, second cousin of Lizzy Ansingh, who was related to Thérèse Schwartze.

With this presentation, Hans Ansingh is stepping down from the foundation’s board after fifty years of service.