This early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Alfred Broge (1870-1955) depicts a rustic kitchen interior with a woman cooking while reading a book.
Extraordinary details are matched by exquisite colouring in this piece from 1925. Her dark blue spotty dress, the homespun catch on the sturdy wooden door, the light reflecting from the rush seat, the flicker of the iron stove. Broge was a master of such scenes, capturing innocuous moments with dextrous handling.
Note the light, which falls through a window on our left and illuminates the pages of her book. It’s sensitive, personal, and probably his home. His wife, Yrsa, was around 44 when this was produced.
Signed/dated lower right and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 26½” x 26½” / 67cm x 67cm
Year of creation: 1925
Labels & Inscriptions: Exhibition label on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £10,375
Alfred Broge was an accomplished Danish painter of landscapes and interior scenes. He trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under prominent landscape artist Rudolph Bissen (1846-1911).
Learn more about Alfred Broge in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work.
