Signed 1915 Danish Marine Painting by Alfred Theodor Olsen (1854-1932)

Details

Description

On offer is a tranquil marine scene set at dusk or dawn, featuring a large, square-rigged vessel resting on calm … Read more On offer is a tranquil marine scene set at dusk or dawn, featuring a large, square-rigged vessel resting on calm waters.

SUBJECT: The prominent vessel is a brig or a small bark, a type of commercial vessel. Such ships were the standard choice for merchant shipping and cargo transportation along European coasts during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the left distance, a smaller fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessel, likely a cutter or small fishing boat, drifts near the horizon.

ARTIST: The painting is the work of Alfred Theodor Olsen (1854-1932), a recognized Danish marine and naval painter. Olsen studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Jens Jørgen Jensen-Egeberg. He dedicated his multi-decade career to capturing the specific, atmospheric qualities of light over Scandinavian waters, particularly around the Øresund sound and the coasts of Skagen. As such, Olsen was highly regarded for his skill in blending expansive, luminous skies with highly realistic depictions of seafaring merchant ships and local fishing fleets.

MATERIAL: While many of his works are done on canvas, smaller studies and works from this period were frequently executed on heavy artist cardboard, wood panels, or like this one, early composite fiberboard precursors.

Signature/Maker’s Mark: Bottom right corner (photo #5). See less