This early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Carl Hansen (1870-1934) depicts a wooded view at Dyrehaven (Deer Park), Copenhagen. It was exhibited at a retrospective in 1935.
Leaning towards an early sun, the bare trees of Winter cast long shadows along the woodland floor. In near monotone, their limber forms stretch skywards, vanishing off the canvas. While directly below, a worn track drives through the earth, with dapples of muddy green raised on either side.
Hansen brings a sense of timeless mystery to this scene, perhaps inspired by the old Dutch masters. His hazy rugged vision feels naturalistic yet imbued with a richer narrative. Are these simply trees or metaphorical spirits? Clambering for the light amid the early buds of Spring.
Signed lower right and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 16” x 17” / 40cm x 43cm
Year of creation: c. 1905
Labels & Inscriptions: Exhibition label on reverse.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Carl Hansen
Carl Hansen trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. He exhibited at the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition for 32 years.
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