Exhibited: Presumably Charlottenborg 1909 no. 16 with the title “Damer ved Skagens Strand” (Ladies at Skagen beach).

Provenance: Bruun Rasmussen auction 754, 2006 no. 1057.

It is often Peder Severin Krøyer, who, due to his masterful treatment of light, has time and time again been given the title “painter of light”, and who is known for his depictions of beautiful women strolling along Skagen beach in either sunlight or evening light. If you look abroad, you cannot avoid the Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla (1863–1923), who is also known for depicting women in bright dresses on the beach, and to whom Krøyer has often been compared. But Michael Ancher also took up this beautiful motif, and this painting, which captures the special light of Skagen and the timeless light summer atmosphere, can be compared to some of Krøyer’s and Sorolla’s best paintings. The two women’s stroll on the beach takes place at sunset, and here, Ancher shows himself to be a skilled colorist and an excellent creator of moods by letting the warm light of the sunset tone out the contours and give the women, the sand and the sea fine golden reflections.