Carl Holsøe

MacConnal-Mason, London 
Acquired from the above in 2004

This work is in original unlined condition. Very minor bumping and pulling of the canvas in the upper right quadrant. The surface presents well and appears bright and vibrant. There are a few isolated areas of barely perceptible, finely patterned craquelure. A small area of active lifting at center left in the open doorway. Very minor frame abrasion along the right upper edge. Under UV: possible old inpainting fluoresces in horizontal strokes in the upper quadrant.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Enormously popular in his native Scandinavia and throughout the rest of Europe during his lifetime, Carl Holsøe had studied with Vilhelm Hammershoi at the Royal Academy of Copenhagen and, together with Peder Ilsted, they formed the Danish School of Interior Painting. Their influence on one another is palpable in works such as Interior, Light of Spring. It epitomizes the effects for which they are most celebrated: an atmosphere that is dense, introspective, and immensely alluring to a modern aesthetic. As in many of his best works, here Holsøe has lingered over an intelligent play of reflected light and color and included a figure looking away, yielding her identity to the viewer's imagination.