This early 20th-century Danish oil painting depicts a woman sewing. It’s an interesting unfinished study.

Focusing on her craft, she looks down. Her hands given form by a mere outline. It’s a quick oil sketch, perhaps to experiment with colour and composition. The effect is a very decorative one.

The artist is unknown but intriguingly there are clues on the reverse, which suggest it’s by an accomplished painter. The first is a label from the gallery of Richard Wilstrup, the Copenhagen art dealer, who handled numerous works by leading artists. The second is a framer’s label from the workshop of Valdemar Kleis, which was again associated with the big names in Danish art.

Bertha Dorph (1875-1960) is one example of an artist who had connections with both Richard Wilstrup and Valdemar Kleis. Her brushwork is similar, particularly in her looser studies.

The painting has previously been attributed to the circle of Bertha Wegmann (1847-1926).

Held within a gilt frame that’s probably original.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 19½” x 24” / 50cm x 61cm
Year of creation: c. 1900
Labels & Inscriptions: Richard Wilstrup, art dealer, label. Valdemar Kleis framer’s label.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Frame restored.
Our reference: BRV1774