Artwork

Et gadekær. Maglebylille

Et gadekær. Maglebylille, by Theodor Philipsen, oil, 1903
Et gadekær. Maglebylille, by Theodor Philipsen, oil, 1903

Et gadekær. Maglebylille is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Theodor Philipsen. It dates from 1903 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Theodor Philipsen, a Danish painter, completed *Et gadekær. Maglebylille* in 1903 using oil paint. This landscape depicts a tranquil village pond scene in Maglebylille, characteristic of Philipsen's focus on natural environments and animal subjects. The artwork is recognized as a Post-Impressionist piece and is part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a serene moment in a rural setting. A narrow road borders a village pond where ducks gather near the water's edge. To the left, a prominent tree stands beside a small house with a thatched roof, while additional structures and bare trees recede into the background under a cloudy sky. The composition evokes a sense of quietude and everyday village life.

Technique & Style

Philipsen's approach in this work aligns with Post-Impressionist principles, emphasizing simplified forms and the interplay of light and shadow to establish a calm atmosphere. The brushwork is notably loose and expressive, contributing to a soft, almost ethereal quality. This technique creates a gentle, dreamlike impression of the rural landscape, focusing on mood rather than precise detail.

History & Provenance

Created by Theodor Philipsen, an artist of Jewish heritage, *Et gadekær. Maglebylille* dates to 1903. Philipsen was particularly known for his depictions of landscapes and animals. The painting is now housed in the permanent collection of Statens Museum for Kunst, where it represents a significant example of Danish Post-Impressionism.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Theodor Philipsen

Artist

Theodor Philipsen

Theodor Esbern Philipsen (10 June 1840 – 3 March 1920) was a Danish painter of Jewish ancestry, known for landscapes and animal portraits. He also did small figures in wax and clay.