This enchanting early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Julius Paulsen (1860-1940) depicts a woman sitting by a window.
Lost in her imagination, she gazes towards the garden. Foliage subtly suggested through the glass with gentle tints. Her expression is enigmatic, captured quickly, as if unaware of the artist’s glance. Paulsen’s works seem voyeuristic at times, as if describing a candid moment. He’s elevating the ordinary, celebrating times of restful introspection.
Influenced equally by Rembrandt’s fleshy brushwork and the emerging avant garde, he balanced tradition and modernity. Controlled expression to render figures with feeling and texture. There’s energy - she could turn at any moment.
Signed in the lower right and framed. Held within a gilt frame with coved sides.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 19½” x 21½” / 49cm x 54cm
Year of creation: c. 1915
Labels & Inscriptions: Title on reverse ‘Ved Vinduet’. Plus ‘Odense’, the location.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £21,979
Julius Paulsen was a highly respected Danish artist who blended a wide range of influences to create skilfully poised, almost timeless, masterpieces. He studied in Odense under N.M. Aaagaard and later at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. He’s represented at numerous museums and his portrait of P.S. Kroyer currently hangs at Frederiksborg Palace.
Learn more about Julius Paulsen 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. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
