This enchanting early 20th-century interior scene by Danish artist Julius Paulsen (1860-1940) depicts a seated lady brushing her hair while deep in thought.

It’s entirely natural, nothing staged. It’s probably his own wife.

Paulsen was a master of controlled expression. He worked in that tricky space between tradition and modernity. Influenced by Rembrandt, fleshy skin tones are laid down with texture and maturity. Everything moves as if our gaze shifts the canvas.

Where’s her mind in this moment before bed? Is it a conversation or a winding down?

The painting was possibly part of an exhibition in 1926 at Charlottenburg Palace, Copenhagen and titled ‘Ved Sengetid’ - ‘At Bedtime’.

Signed and framed.

Learn more about Julius Paulsen in our directory.

Exceptionally rendered and full of movement. Spellbinding.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 36½” x 44½” / 93cm x 113cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark
Artist’s auction highlight: £21,979 achieved for an oil painting in 2007.