Artwork
En ung pige, der lugter til en rose
En ung pige, der lugter til en rose is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Carl Bloch. It is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1895 by Danish painter Carl Bloch, this oil canvas depicts a solitary young girl in a domestic interior. She is positioned beside a low table, inhaling the scent of a rose while a watering can rests in her left hand. The composition conveys a calm, intimate moment, rendered with careful observation of light and texture.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, a girl in a dark dress accented by a pearl necklace, engages with a single rose, suggesting themes of innocence and fleeting beauty. The surrounding objects—a modest arrangement of flower vases and a simple watering can—reinforce a sense of everyday ritual and the quiet contemplation of nature within a home setting.
Technique & Style
Bloch employs a realistic approach, emphasizing fine detail in the girl's facial expression and the delicate petals of the rose. Subtle chiaroscuro models the interior space, while the muted palette of the furnishings contrasts with the brighter hues of the flowers, highlighting the tactile qualities of fabric, metal, and porcelain.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the painting has been part of the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery, Statens Museum for Kunst. It remains on display as an example of Bloch’s late work, reflecting his continued interest in genre scenes that capture quiet moments of daily life.
Context
Bloch, known for both historical and religious subjects, turned increasingly toward domestic genre scenes in the final decade of his career. This work aligns with the 19th‑century Danish tradition of portraying middle‑class interiors, where the emphasis lies on moral virtue and the serene beauty of ordinary moments.
Artist & collection
