Michael Ancher (b. Bornholm 1849, d. Skagen 1927)
“Kunstdommerne”. The Art Judges. The painters Laurits Tuxen, P. S. Krøyer, Holger Drachmann and J. F. Willumsen discussing a painting. Signed M. A. and dated 07. Oil on canvas. 47×63 cm.
The present painting is a study after “Kunstdommerne” (The Art Judges) dated 1906 at Frederiksborg Museum of National History, measuring 156.5×223 cm.
The creation of the large painting is mentioned several times in Elisabeth Fabritius, “Anna og Michael Ancher. Breve og fotografier”, 2018 vol. 3, i.a. writes Anna Ancher to Palle Bruun (hydraulic engineer who designed the fishing harbour in Skagen) 20.8 1906 (in Danish): “Mikkel paints Tuxen Krøyer Drachmann and Willumsen on a picture (they are sitting and criticizing a painting)”. (Letter no. 1954). A few days after 22.8 1906 Michael Ancher writes to Ida Schandorph a good friend married to the author (in Danish): “I have started to paint a large picture of Drachmann Krøyer Tuxen and Willumsen and as long as the end delivers on the promise of the beginning, I think we will all find joy in this”. (Letter no. 1955). Unfortunately, there is no information in the exchange of letters about the creation of this painting.
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, 8 June 2022