A Street in Laren, Holland, 1908 by John William Beatty (1869–1941) captures a quiet, sunlit village scene in the Dutch countryside. The painting opens onto a spacious square bordered by European-style buildings with charming gabled roofs, their warm earthy tones of brown and red softened by the gentle light of early morning or late afternoon. A dark structure in the foreground provides contrast, while the dynamic sky above, painted with flowing brushstrokes of gray, blue, and white, hints at the ever-changing weather of the region. Small figures in the distance animate the scene, giving a subtle sense of life to the tranquil village.

John William Beatty was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1869 and trained at the Central Ontario School of Art and Design before traveling to Europe for further study at the Académie Julian in Paris and the Chelsea Polytechnic in London, England. During his European travels, he immersed himself in village scenes and landscapes, developing a keen eye for atmospheric effects, natural light, and architectural detail that would define his mature work. Upon returning to Canada, Beatty became a key figure in the country’s art scene, contributing to both national exhibitions and local art communities.

Beatty taught at the Ontario College of Art, where he guided a generation of Canadian artists. His students included notable figures such as A.J. Casson, Franklin Arbuckle, Frederick Loveroff, Doris McCarthy, Peter Clapham Sheppard, George Kulmala, Adrian Dingle, Illingworth Kerr, and George Paginton. Through his teaching and mentorship, Beatty played a central role in shaping Canadian art in the early 20th century, influencing both his students’ work and the broader development of Canadian landscape painting. By fostering technical skill, an appreciation for the Canadian landscape, and a connection to European artistic traditions, he helped cultivate a generation of artists who contributed significantly to Canada’s visual culture. This oil on canvas board measures approximately 7.5 x 9.5 inches and is signed bottom right.