This early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Carla Colsmann Mohr (1887-1974) depicts a view from Amager towards the centre of Copenhagen, Denmark. It was exhibited at the prestigious Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition in 1913.
There’s a post-impressionistic spirit to this work with its loose brushwork, emphasis on colour and flat appearance. Inspired perhaps by Paul Cézanne or Vincent van Gogh, Mohr renders the view in blocks of colour - akin to a mosaic.
It’s interesting to note how she conveys depth by adjusting the values - e.g. the darkness/lightness of the elements. When seen in monochrome, this becomes quite apparent. When colour is removed, there’s also a prominent diagonal from the darker trees in the bottom left through to the church steeple. This visual guide underpins the composition and helps the eye to navigate the cityscape.
Mohr was a fascinating artist who worked during an important time for female painters in Denmark. Training at a drawing school exclusively for women, she began her studies beset by obstacles relating to gender. Throughout her career, she championed women’s rights and pushed for a fairer deal for women in art. It’s a known fact that during the 19th and early 20th centuries, women would often receive less per painting than their male counterparts. Simply due to prejudice. Mohr’s role in challenging these perceptions was a vital one.
Signed/dated lower right and framed.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 44” x 33½” / 112cm x 85cm
Year of creation: 1913
Labels & Inscriptions: Exhibition label on reverse.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Carla Colsmann Mohr trained at the Tegneskolen for Kvinder and later at the Kunstskolen for Kvinder, which merged with the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. She studied under Viggo Johansen and exhibited regularly at the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition.
Learn more about Carla Colsmann Mohr 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. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
