Michael Ancher (b. Bornholm 1849, d. Skagen 1927)
Fisherman and rescuer Lars Gaihede sitting on a chair. 1876–1877. Signed with monogram. Oil on canvas. 55 × 37 cm.
The painting is a study for “En Lægprædikant holder Gudstjeneste ved Skagens Strand” (Lay preacher holding a service on Skagen Beach) from 1877. That one was acquired by The Art Museums of Skagen (inv. no. 1247) in 1973.
Elisabeth Fabritius has analysed and described the creation of this major work by Ancher, and notes (in Danish): “Several of the models are recognisable as being local folk from Skagen. Lars Gaihede is seated on the rowing boat in the foreground with his head resting on his hand […]”. (Elisabeth Fabritius, ”Michael Anchers ungdom 1865–1880", 1992, p. 68–69.)
Ancher himself comments on the creation of the large painting in a letter to Anna Brøndum on 19–20 October 1876: “Yesterday I painted Peder Andersen. I put his face on him with his back turned in the large [sic: painting], and the rescuer Lars I have transformed with much success, you will not believe how splendid he looks; this is only a faint reflection of it; I have made him into a blend of your grandfather and Lars. I have now transferred half or more of it onto the canvas, tomorrow I will do the rest, and then commence my work on the sky”. (Elisabeth Fabritius (ed.), ”Anna og Michael Ancher: Breve og fotografier”, 2018, vol. I, p. 150.)
Provenance: Bruun Rasmussen auction 1850, 2018 no. 1.
Please note: The item is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. In the event of a hammer price of DKK 50,000 or more, including buyer’s premium, the buyer must submit a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of address in order to collect the item.
Paintings & drawings, 30 November 2021