An unusual late 19th-century interior scene depicting a young girl in a green and red dress sitting at a table. She’s gently lit by either a candle or moonlight as she eats her evening meal.

The artist, Valdemar Magaard (1864-1937), has opted for the difficult task of painting this scene towards the end of the day when the room is almost completely dark. It creates a beguiling effect whereby you can only see her shoulders, head and arm with any degree of clarity. In certain lights, you can make out more of the figure but generally it’s a dark painting.

We love this piece for its mood and stillness. It’s quietly reflective and beautifully painted.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 13½” x 17½” / 35cm x 44cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Provenance: Denmark
Condition: There’s a scratch in the top left, which could be restored if you wish. Light craquelure in areas. Frame with some age-related wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £1,400 achieved for ‘A Mother & Child’ at Christie’s in 1994.