This early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Viggo Pedersen (1854-1926) depicts a landscape with field, cottage, winding track, prominent wall, mother and child.

Composed of a veritable patchwork of light effects, this rugged undulating view is both complex and masterful. Note the broad palette of tones, which compete and vie for attention. There’s beauty yet it’s atypical.

Pedersen was an important member of the Danish artistic community and worked tirelessly to evolve his style throughout his successful career. Over time, his brushwork became looser and more expressive, which brought him closer to the progressive European artists of his generation.

In 1891, he co-founded Den Frie Udstilling (The Free Exhibition), established as a rebellion against the traditional views of the Danish Academy. Eminent contemporaries such as Vilhelm Hammershøi, Peder Severin Krøyer, Kristian Zahrtmann, Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh exhibited there.

The heavy dry stone wall contrasts with the feathery hayfield.

Signed/dated lower left and held within a gilt frame.

Learn more about Viggo Pedersen in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 34½” x 27” / 88cm x 69cm
Year of creation: 1914
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some wear including surface losses.
Artist’s auction maximum: £34,000