This charming mid-19th-century oil painting by Danish artist Peter Ølsted (1824-1887) depicts a picturesque view of Mølledammen, Lyngby, with a fisherman and church beyond.

Ølsted produced tranquil landscapes with carefully observed views across abundant pastures and idyllic rural villages. His style was entirely traditional and influenced by the Danish Golden Age. Broad graduated skies often dominate compositions with linear horizons dotted with precise architecture. This romantic vision of the Danish countryside was popular with a range of buyers including Princess Caroline and Prince Georg. Like many, they were drawn to his gentle vision of a land they treasured.

Here, in this work from around 1860, he’s captured the Mølledammen (mill pond) at Lyngby, north of Copenhagen. The church, built in the Romanesque style, dates to the 12th century and cuts an imposing figure as it rises above the trees.

Signed in the lower right and held within a gilt frame, which is probably original.

Learn more about Peter Ølsted in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 30” x 23” / 77cm x 58cm
Year of creation: c. 1860
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Revarnished. Fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. One old patch. Frame with marks and signs of age.
Artist’s auction maximum: £4,483 for ‘Kokkedal ved Rungsted. View from Kokkedal near Rungsted’, Oil on canvas, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2020.
Our reference: BRV1828