An unusual and highly atmospheric early 20th-century Danish interior scene.

At first glance, your eye is drawn to the strong light that enters through a window directly in front of you. A voile is diffusing the glare, which gently illuminates several objects. On your right, an old piano stands silently - while on the left various artworks are partially lit.

Through the centre of the composition, a large dining table appears to be set with a single meal and a solitary chair. It captures the imagination - who lives here? Why is the table set at all? And it’s then, only at this point, do you see the figure - a lady quietly sewing on your left - almost in complete darkness.

This fascinating old piece is quite a mystery - not only for its intriguing composition and unusual perspective - but also with regards to its creator. It’s certainly influenced by the master of Danish interior scenes, Vilhelm Hammershoi (1864-1916), but it’s uniquely dark and alluring.

How do you feel about it?

The painting is unsigned but once bore a label. It’s housed within a good later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 37” x 31½” / 94cm x 80cm
Year of creation: c. 1900
Provenance: Denmark
Condition: Craquelure but the paint is stable. Small areas of restoration. Canvas relined. Frame with some light age-related wear.