International studio (14.1901)

Studio-Talk

evince intense sincerity and a whole hearted
devotion to art. R. M.

OPEN HAGEN.—It is a matter of
regret that Danish art is so compara-
tively little known in England; other-
wise it would assuredly have made for
itself a host of friends there. There is such a
delightfully true ring about Danish art, of which
continuous study forms, and for a century has
formed, the keynote. The technique is generally
good, often excellent, in some cases masterly,
and of that surcharge of feeling, not to say
sentimentality, which is so much in vogue in a
neighbouring country, the Danes, luckily, will have
none. True that small canvases are rather the
rule than the exception, and that the subjects
more often than not are of a homely nature;
but are they any the worse on that account?
Does not a simple little song often contain
better and sweeter music than an ambitious
opus ?

However, it goes with-
out saying that much of
what is shown at this
year’s Charlottenborg is not
deserving of praise. Not
a few of the pictures, and
of the sculptures too, for
the matter of that, would
no doubt prompt Kipling’s
devil to repeat the old
question, and the weeding
operation could with de-
cided advantage have been
carried a good deal further
to the benefit of all con-
cerned.

Ring’s excellent interiors,
Einar Nielsen’s interesting
“portrait group,” and Anna
Ancher’s charming little
Woodcutter, we hope to
refer to again in a later
issue. Michael Ancher,
in the picture reproduced,
gives with much subtlety
the mood of a summer
eve, when the soft hues
of sky and sea almost
mingle, the old knitting
fisher - woman rather
134

enhancing than disturbing the peace and the
beauty of the scene. The Danes are excellent
landscapists. La Cour’s three pictures deserve
the highest praise, more especially a large inland
view over a hilly, somewhat barren country; the
atmosphere is delightful, and the wide expanse of
undulating country brilliantly done. Hinrichsen’s
Juniper Trees, bathed in the warm glow of a declin-
ing sun, marks a great stride onward. There is a
healthy breadth in this picture, subordinating all
details to the main effect. In Soya-Jensen’s Hald
Lake the atmosphere is saturated with moisture,
and the clump of trees to the left in the picture
stands out remarkably well against the distance.
Thorwald Niss has a spirited marine from the
Skaw, done with all the dash and verve which he,
better than most painters, knows how to put into
breakers. G. B.

PARIS.—We have pleasure in giving an
illustration on page 133 of Mr. Charles
Cottet’s fine painting, entitled Au Pays
de la Mer ; Nuit de la Saint-Tean.

BUST OF PROF. HELLMER BY FEODOROWNA RIES