Artwork
Ved skovledet
Ved skovledet is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Hans Michael Therkildsen. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Hans Michael Therkildsen’s 1897 oil work, titled Ved skovledet, is part of the collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst. The canvas captures a quiet rural moment, centering on two horses—one a foal—set against a muted backdrop, with three women observing from behind a fence.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a pastoral scene where the animals dominate the visual field, while the women, dressed in long gowns and hats, appear as silent witnesses. Their faces are obscured, suggesting a focus on the relationship between humans and livestock rather than individual identities.
Technique & Style
Therkildsen employs a realistic rendering for the horses, using careful modeling and subtle tonal shifts. The surrounding figures are treated more delicately, their features softened. A pronounced chiaroscuro—contrasting light and shadow—creates depth, directing attention toward the foreground subjects.
History & Provenance
Created at the close of the 19th century, the painting entered the national collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in documenting Danish rural life through contemporary artists of the period.
Artist & collection
