This early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Christian Asmussen (1873-1940) depicts a girl playing the piano within a beautiful interior setting.
The quiet lull of a sunlit room lifted gently by the rise and fall of classical music. Playing from memory, she’s well-versed. The piano is adorned with elegant blue and white ceramics. Four small oils hang neatly on the wall. A mirror, perhaps in the Deco style, reflects a slim vase. It’s a celebration of quiet family life and she’s in her element.
Asmussen spent the early part of his career decorating the finest theatres in Europe. He has a keen eye for design and clearly appreciated the decor on display here. Note the careful brushwork to capture the various ornaments.
Given the consistent nature of the artwork, perhaps it’s his own home.
Signed/dated lower right and held in its original frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 23½” x 28½” / 60cm x 72cm
Year of creation: c. 1935
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £9,036
Christian Asmussen
Christian Asmussen was a versatile Danish artist who spent the early part of his career decorating the finest theatres in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria before returning to Denmark to hone his skills as a landscape painter. During his formative years, he trained under Soren Lund and also at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich - later exhibiting across Europe including at the illustrious Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition. His works are often informal with loose brushwork and spacious compositions. He received a medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
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