Roses (Krøyer)

The painting "Roses" by P.S. Krøyer, created in 1893, exquisitely captures a serene moment featuring the artist's wife, Marie Krøyer. She is comfortably seated in a deckchair beneath a lush rose bush in the garden of their rented house in Skagen, a charming northern Danish village known for its vibrant artist community in the late 19th century. This community, known as the Skagen Painters, flourished in this picturesque setting, and Krøyer was one of its most prominent members. His work, celebrated for its impressionistic style, often depicted the unique local light that Skagen was famous for.

The Skagen Painters were a group of Danish artists who would gather in Skagen during the summers to capture the everyday life of fishermen, families, and festive gatherings. Krøyer, originally from Norway, found his permanent home in Skagen after marrying Marie Triepcke in 1889. His vibrant beach scenes and lively depictions of artist gatherings were heavily influenced by the Impressionist movement.

"Roses" is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 67.5 by 76.5 centimeters. It was created during a period when the Krøyers rented a house in Skagen. The painting shows Marie sitting under a rose bush, with their dog Rap peacefully sleeping beside her. The composition masterfully highlights the interplay of light and shadow, a hallmark of French Impressionism.

First exhibited in 1895, "Roses" eventually found its way into private collections before being donated to the Skagens Museum in 2008. The painting also featured in a pamphlet titled "Summer" alongside a poem by Holger Drachmann. Today, it stands as a masterpiece, capturing a moment of tranquility and beauty in the Krøyers' garden in Skagen.