The Norwegian painter Eilif Peterssen meets Peder Severin Krøyer in Munich in 1875. In the years 1879–83, Peterssen lives in Italy, and here he meets Krøyer again, who, among others, introduces him to the modern artistic ideas. The two artists remain friends for the rest of their lives.

Peterssen visits Skagen for the first time in 1883 and again in 1905 for Michael and Anna's silver wedding anniversary. In Krøyer's famous painting “Artists' luncheon at Brøndum's Hotel” from 1883 (The Art Museums of Skagen, Inv. No. SKM657) Peterssen sits on the far left with his characteristic profile with glasses and moustache. The summer stay in Skagen makes the artist turn even more towards a naturalistic plein-air painting, of which the present fresh study of houses in Skagen is an excellent example. There are known approx. 5–6 paintings by the artist from his stays in Skagen.

Provenance: Given by the artist as payment for groceries in the previous owner's great-grandfather's shop in Skagen. Sold by his descendants at Bruun Rasmussen auction 690, 2001 no. 1407 ill. p. 185. Museumsbygningens Kunstauktioner, Dec. 2006 no. 825. Living Auctions, Vejle, 2010 no. 121.