catalog text
MALTHE ODIN ENGELSTED (DANISH, 1852-1930) OIL PAINTING OF BOYS AT PLAY
“Afternoon Frolics”, Signed lower left “M.E. 1885”
Item # 601BME30Q
After moving with his parents to Copenhagen, Malthe Engelsted received a degree in theology before enrolling at an art academy. In 1879 he exhibited at Salon and was awarded the Neuhausen in recognition of his painting “Scene from Children’s Life” in 1883. He was well known for his lively and enjoyable genre scenes, though turned his interest to religious subjects at the end of the 19th Century. The present example is signed “M.E. 1885”, placing it relatively early in his career. A most charming scene, the painting captures a group of school boys lounging in the woods enjoying the afternoon with finished bottles of liquor while smoking pipes. Their books and bags are scattered and a jovial mood permeates the scene. Highly nostalgic and incredibly enjoyable, the scene is painted with a touch of impressionism to create something of a dreaminess in the scene. Fully conserved, the work is in excellent ready-to-present condition.
Literature: E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Gründ, 2006, Vol. V, p. 215
Measurements: [frame] 32 3/4” H x 38” W x 1” D; [canvas] 25 1/8” H x 30 1/2” W
Condition Report:
Professionally conserved somewhat recently, the canvas cleaned and relined. Minor edge wear around sides. Contemporary frame w/ minor wear. Under UV examination: Green cast of fresh varnish makes canvas somewhat hard to examine thoroughly; inpainting around edges where frame rubs canvas; upper right with spot of inpainting, pin-point touch ups and a repair to the right of the bag on the ground; pin-point touchups and spot of inpainting to center boy’s overcoat and coat on ground far-right.