Peter Vilhelm Ilsted - Looking out the Window [1908]

Peter Vilhelm Ilsted - Looking out the Window [1908], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

Peter Ilsted (1861-1933) was a leading Danish artist and printmaker. Ilsted, Carl Holsoe, and Ilsted’s brother-in-law, Vilhelm Hammershoi, were the leading artists in early 20th century Denmark. All three artists were members of ‘The Free Exhibition’, a progressive art society created around 1890. They are famous for painting images of "Sunshine and Silent Rooms", all in subtle colours. Their works reflects the orderliness of a tranquil life - similar to the earlier works of Vermeer. Their art was later referred to as the ‘Copenhagen Interior School’. These interiors evoke at once a sense of calm, as well as a sense of mystery. The orderly room are often viewed from behind, causing one to wonder if the scenes are really tranquil or something else. James McNeill Whistler, Duret and important art critics were early admirers and collectors of Ilsted’s work. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) held an important exhibition on the work of Ilsted, Hammershoi, and Vermeer in 2001.

[Oil on canvas, 63.5 x 59.7 cm]