This early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Poul Steffensen (1866-1923) depicts an extensive landscape with cattle and figures.
A well-worn rutted cart track winds between trees, towards open pasture where cattle graze. Recent rainfall gathers in a dip. Two friends pass, pausing to catch up - a young woman in an apron, an older farmer with a walking stick. He’s carrying a basket, which draws the attention of a cow.
Beyond them, the rolling hills extend in a variety of tones, culminating in a hazy peak. A glimpse of the coast is visible in the upper right. Perhaps it’s Jutland where the artist often painted.
Poul Steffensen was fascinated by nature and those working within it. His father owned a mill and his father-in-law was a farmer. His landscapes convey a gentle mood, somewhat romanticised, and ‘glass half full’. Animals were his forte and this is a fine example of his talent.
Signed lower left and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 44” x 31½” / 112cm x 80cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £6,010
Danish artist Poul Steffensen was primarily known as a painter of animals and landscapes but he was also an accomplished illustrator. He trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and exhibited regularly at the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition.
Learn more about Poul Steffensen 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.
