This early 20th-century mezzotint by Danish artist Peter Ilsted (1861-1933) depicts the artist’s family gathered around a table on a rainy day.
Based on the ages of his children, from left to right are (probably): Ellen, Ingeborg (wife), Kamma (seated), Eva, and Jens. Published in 1931, it’s based upon an earlier drawing from around 1906 as Jens (b. 1896) appears to be around 10 years old.
Ilsted was a contemporary of Vilhelm Hammershoi (1864-1916) and Carl Holsoe (1863-1935) - with all three becoming masters of tranquil interior scenes. Ilsted's interiors are similar to Hammershoi’s but generally possess more order and mathematical precision. Hammershoi was married to Ilsted’s sister so the pair undoubtedly spent many afternoons discussing their ideas.
The mezzotint was created by Ilsted himself and it’s inscribed in the lower right. Held within a good contemporary frame and glazed.
Medium: Mezzotint on paper
Overall size: 28” x 25½” / 71cm x 65cm
Year of creation: 1931
Provenance: Denmark
Condition: Overall very presentable.
Artist’s Auction Highlight (for etchings, prints and mezzotints): £8,030 achieved for an etching titled 'Bildnis von Vilhelm Hammershøi' at an auction in 2020.
Peter Ilsted trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and exhibited at the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibitions where he won a gold medal in 1885. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the British Museum and the Met Museum.
Learn more about Peter Ilsted 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.
