Artwork

Syngende børn ved et klaver

Syngende børn ved et klaver, by Eiler Sørensen, oil, 1923
Syngende børn ved et klaver, by Eiler Sørensen, oil, 1923

Syngende børn ved et klaver is an oil painting by the Realist artist Eiler Sørensen. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1923, this oil on canvas by Danish painter Eiler Sørensen depicts a small group of children gathered around a piano. The work is part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark’s national gallery, where it is displayed among other early‑twentieth‑century pieces.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures youngsters in period attire, focused on a piano as some appear to be singing. The composition suggests a domestic, perhaps educational setting, emphasizing communal music‑making and the innocence of childhood within a modest interior.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a realistic manner, Sørensen employs careful modelling of faces and clothing, allowing light to highlight textures on fabric and the polished surface of the instrument. Fine brushwork conveys the intricate carvings of the piano and the subtle interplay of shadow and illumination.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the painting has remained in Denmark, eventually entering the holdings of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The museum acquired the work as part of its effort to represent early modern Danish art, though specific acquisition details are not publicly recorded.

Context

The early 1920s in Denmark saw a renewed interest in genre scenes that celebrated everyday life. Sørensen’s focus on children and music aligns with contemporary cultural values that emphasized education, family cohesion, and the preservation of traditional domestic interiors.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Eiler Sørensen

Artist

Eiler Sørensen

Eiler Sørensen (1869–1953) was an artist, born in Benløse.