Harald Foss, Pastoral Scene In Virkland, Denmark

Harald Foss, Pastoral Scene In Virkland, Denmark

A peaceful landscape painting depicting a view in Virkland across to the Thorsø hills by Danish artist Harald Foss (1843-1922).

Foss loved this area and he’s captured the effects of light so beautifully as it illuminates the lake and three grazing sheep. Towards the foreground, he’s also added small flecks of white to give the grass a gentle shimmering effect.

Foss was a master of hilly terrain and he trained under the great P.C. Skovgaard (1817-1875) who is considered one of the finest painters of the Danish Golden Age. Both artists adopted a romantic approach to landscape painting that was driven by their love for Danish rural life. It’s said that Foss was so enamoured with the countryside that he was known to omit buildings if they spoilt his view.

Towards the end of his life, he settled in Virkland and ran a Summer painting school that became a huge success. Students enjoyed the freedom of the natural environment and Foss was undoubtedly an enthusiastic teacher.

The painting is signed in the lower right and inscribed ‘Virkland 1900’.

Medium
Oil on canvas
Overall size
21” x 15½” / 53cm x 39cm
Year of creation
1900
Provenance
Denmark
Condition
Some scuffing around the periphery due to its previous frame but otherwise fine. Canvas relined.
Artist’s auction highlight
£7,380 achieved for ‘Bramsnaes’ (88 x 113cm) in 2008.

Conservation & History

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 restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

Stay In Touch
Subscribe to our Wednesday newsletter for the latest finds and 10% off your order.

Availability