A light-filled impressionistic coastal scene by Scottish painter, Mark Osman Curtis (1879-1959). Here we see a family playing in the sand close to a small jetty with a timber building. The beach is probably somewhere in Skagen, Denmark, as it’s an area that the artist knew well.

Curtis was an interesting painter that worked under several pseudonyms including Th. Friss. It’s believed that he was a reclusive character that moved to Denmark prior to World War I. He frequently painted the shores of Skagen, which is an area known for its beautiful scenery and white sandy beaches. Perhaps the sea air proved to be a welcome escape.

The painting is signed Th. Friis in the lower right.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 34½” x 25½” / 88cm x 65cm
Year of creation: c. 1920
Provenance: Denmark
Condition: Very good overall.
Artist’s auction highlight: £3,000 achieved for ‘Summer Days’ at Christie’s in 2013.