A sublime early 20th-century depiction of a lounge interior by important Danish painter, Viggo Pedersen (1854-1926). It was painted towards the end of his life when he was a master of impressionistic brushwork.
In the lower part of the composition, a comfortable red armchair is gently lit by the afternoon sun. Light cascades through a leaded window and a church spire can be seen in the distance.
Pedersen was a fascinating artist that developed a love for impressionism following study trips to Paris in the 1880s. He began his career as a classical painter and trained at the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen. But gradually over a ten year period, his works became looser and often flooded with light.
He’s predominantly known for his landscapes, which depict luscious green views and coastal scenery. But he also painted genre scenes and occasionally interior scenes such as this. It’s interesting to consider what this room meant to Pedersen and how he came to paint it. The worn armchair feels familiar like an old friend so perhaps he often sat there and read by the window.
Pedersen’s work can be found in several public collections including at the Danish National Gallery.
The painting is signed in the lower right and housed with a period frame that could be its original.
Medium: Oil on board
Overall size: 17” x 21” / 43cm x 53cm
Year of creation: 1922
Provenance: Denmark
Condition: Very presentable. Light craquelure. Frame with some age-related wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £34,000 achieved for ‘Picking Poppies, Sora’ at Sotheby’s in 2002.