Lot 129
  • 129

Frits Thaulow

Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description

  • Frits Thaulow
  • Fra Akerselven (The Akerselven river in the snow)
  • signed Frits Thaulow. lower left
  • oil on canvas
  • 81.2 by 65cm., 32 by 25½in.

Provenance

Sale: Christie's, London, 15 May 2008, lot 114
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Condition

Original canvas. There are scattered strokes of retouching visible under ultraviolet light, notably along the extreme upper edge of the canvas. There are scattered flecks of paint loss along the extreme edges of the canvas, fine craquelure, notably visible in the lighter pigments, and the surface shows evidence of overcleaning. This work exhibits rich colours and a clean surface. Held in a simple, modern, narrow wood frame, with a wide, cream inner accent.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The culmination of successive weeks spent in Oslo (then Kristiania) in 1897, 1898, and 1901 painting the Akerselven river, the present work is a subjective summation of Thaulow's impressions seen through the prism of progressive French painting.   

In an interview for the Verdens Gang, published on 8 January 1901, Thaulow commented: 'Look at these old, red buildings with the white snow and the black water. Nothing is as lovely as red and white and black. In the summer the red colour will be dull and the river will have no colour. It is the white snow which gives the colours their value.'

The view in the present painting suited Thaulow's artistic aims perfectly, allowing the juxtaposition of strong colours to which he alludes, but also the exploration of the complex reflections in and upon the water. Winter views became one of Thaulow's favourite subjects, and they met with critical acclaim. As a measure of their success, a related work, The Old Fabrique, Kristiania, was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1901.

Variants of this subject are in the collections of the Musée Rodin in Paris and the Saint Louis Art Museum in Missouri.