P. S. Krøyer (b. Stavanger 1851, d. Skagen 1909)
“Solnedgang ved Nordstranden. Solen gaar ned rød over Havet. I Horizonten et Par Sejlskibe.” Sunset at Skagen's North Beach. On the horizon a few sailing ships. Signed and dated S. K. Skagen 1908. Oil on canvas. 38×55 cm.
H. Chr. Christensen, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Works of P. S. Krøyer, 1923, no. 779.
Exhibited: Den Frie 1909 no. 147. On the reverse an exhibition label with Krøyer's signature and the title of the painting.
Provenance: Tobacconist Johan Ludvig Hirschsprung (1923). Johan Ludvig Hirschsprung (1869–1935) was the son of Bernhard Hirschsprung (Heinrich Hirschsprung's brother) and Emma Mathilde Bing. His estate auction Winkel & Magnussen 188, 1936 no. 119. Here sold with the title “Solopgang paa Skagen” (Sunrise at Skagen). Bruun Rasmussen auction 813, 2010 no. 8. ill. p. 8.
Throughout his artistic career, Krøyer was preoccupied with light above all else. With quick and spontaneous brushstrokes, he seized the light of the moment and brought it to life on the canvas. He practised plein air painting on the beaches of Skagen and painted the same motifs of the sea and beach again and again in all seasons and with variations in light, air, and atmosphere.
This painting is a good example of Krøyer’s ability to depict the special light of Skagen. Here, he has captured the time before the sun goes down – right before the horizon blurs and the borders become fluid – where the sky is bathed in a pink glow, and the sun is still casting its light on the gentle waves.
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.
Northern Light – the Artists' Colony at Skagen, 18 September 2023