This late 19th-century oil painting by Danish artist Caroline van Deurs (1860-1932) depicts a lady playing the violin in an interior.
There she sits, violin in hand, attired in an elegant blue dress. The light, entering via a large window, illuminates the pages of sheet music, which rest upon a chair. The air is still aside from the accomplished rendering of classical music.
Van Deurs has captured the atmosphere of this gentle environment sublimely. She produced it at around 30 years old and it’s tempting to consider whether she knew the lady in question.
Note the treatment of light and shade, the effect of chiaroscuro, which enlivens the plant on the window sill, while bringing depth to the space overall. Note also the 17th-century portrait above, perhaps a distant ancestor.
A magnificent example of van Deurs' skilful hand and a fascinating glimpse into her world.
Monogrammed and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 31” x 32½” / 79cm x 83cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Labels & Inscriptions: Old label on reverse, possibly gallery related.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Caroline van Deurs (1860-1932) was an accomplished Danish painter of genre scenes, landscapes and interiors. She was trained by the grandfather of Danish landscape painting, Vilhelm Kyhn (1819-1903), and spent two years in Paris.
Learn more about Caroline van Deurs 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.
