This late 19th-century oil painting by Danish artist Jacob Kornerup (1825-1913) depicts an older man resting in a ramshackle cottage kitchen.

He looks towards the garden, across a drop-leaf table, blue and white porcelain and rustic stoneware. Deep in a wooden seat, wrapped in an overcoat, with his boots warmed by the stove. Decades of soot blackens the lintel.

This is rare for Jacob Kornerup and it’s the only scene of its type we’ve discovered by him. He’s known for landscapes and occasional portraits but predominantly as a restorer of church frescoes. At first glance, it’s closer to the oeuvre of Valdemar Kornerup (1865-1924) yet there appears to be no direct connection between the two artists. Valdemar was also probably too young in 1880.

As such, it’s interesting to consider how this painting came into being. Is this someone Jacob knows personally? His father passed in 1826, so it’s not him, and his father-in-law passed in 1873. What inspired him to capture this eclectic interior for posterity? We may never know - but it remains a fascinating piece by a remarkable artist.

Monogrammed/dated and held within a gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 26½” x 22½” / 67cm x 57cm
Year of creation: 1880
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on the reverse with the artist’s name and a short bio.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £3,692

Jacob Kornerup

Jacob Kornerup was a Danish artist and archaeologist predominantly known for the restoration and cataloguing of numerous medieval church frescoes. He also produced portraits, landscapes and scenes. He trained initially in his hometown of Roskilde and later at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. The British Museum holds examples of his work.

Learn more about Jacob Kornerup in our directory.