A fine early 20th-century oil on canvas depicting a seated older gentleman opening a bird cage. The artist, Sophus Vermehren, has rendered every detail with great skill - particularly the light as it enters from a window on our left. Note how it illuminates the gentleman’s hands and face, drawing our attention and creating a narrative.

The gentleman bears some resemblance to his father, Frederick Vermehren, who would’ve been in his late 70s when this was painted. His father was a teacher at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and taught Sophus from an early age.

The painting is signed and housed within a gilt frame.

Learn more about Sophus Vermehren in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 18” x 21” / 46cm x 53cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Condition: Overall very presentable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £16,532 achieved for ‘A young student shows a young girl the antique collection at the National Gallery of Denmark’ at an auction in 2019 in Denmark.