Thorvald Niss was a member of the important artist’s colony known as the Skagen Painters. During the late 1870s, the group gathered in the village of Skagen, North Denmark, to paint outside, en plein air, in a similar manner to the French impressionists. Skagen was a popular Summer resort and the light, sea, and mood suited their approach and style.

They were controversial as they abandoned their academic teachings in favour of light-filled impressions and broad broken marks. Works by the Skagen Painters are now highly sought after with paintings by its leading figures reaching over £500,000 at auction. One of its leading proponents, Peder Severin Krøyer (1851-1909), produced a wonderful portrait of Niss.

In 1887, Niss became a member of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and in 1892, a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog.