This beautiful late 19th-century Danish still life depicts a leafy array of chrysanthemums.
With a bountiful presence, the flowers emerge onto the canvas with almost every inch covered in colour. Each leaf and stem carefully rendered as they twist and dodge within a tight composition. Stylistically, the artist evokes the finest Dutch still life painters of the 17th century - yet also drawing upon modern Parisian tastes.
In 1893, when this was created, the French impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894) produced a comparable piece titled ‘Chrysanthèmes blancs et jaunes, jardin du Petit Gennevilliers’, which the artist could’ve been aware of. Both flood the canvas with colourful chrysanths.
But unlike Caillebotte’s version, this particular artist applies a finer touch and darker tones in homage to the great Dutch masters.
Many Danish still life painters of this period were female and the work is signed ‘Ida’. Little is known about their career but they probably trained in Denmark and undertook study trips to the French capital.
Signed/dated lower right and held within its original frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 20½” x 23½” / 52cm x 60cm
Year of creation: 1893
Condition: Artwork presents well. One patched repair. Frame with some light wear.