Who painted Københavns rhed?

Københavns rhed was painted by Vilhelm Arnesen in 1905.

Where can I see Københavns rhed?

Københavns rhed is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Københavns rhed?

Københavns rhed is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Københavns rhed

Vilhelm Arnesen , 1905

Københavns rhed is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Vilhelm Arnesen. It dates from 1905 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Vilhelm Arnesen’s 1905 oil painting, titled Københavns rhed, portrays a tranquil harbor scene. The work is part of the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery, Statens Museum for Kunst, and exemplifies the artist’s interest in maritime subjects.

Subject & Meaning

At the composition’s centre lies a sizable vessel with its sails furled, suggesting a moment of rest or docking. A modest sailboat drifts nearby, its white canvas catching a gentle breeze, while additional ships populate the background, hinting at a bustling yet peaceful port environment.

Technique & Style

Arnesen employs a restrained palette of muted tones, allowing the soft, diffuse light to dominate the scene. Delicate brushwork renders the sky’s cloudy gray and the subtle blue openings, while the calm water reflects the vessels with a smooth, almost glass‑like quality, reinforcing the work’s contemplative atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in the early twentieth century, Københavns rhed entered the holdings of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. The painting reflects Arnesen’s ongoing engagement with Danish coastal life during a period of rapid urban and industrial change.