This fine early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Sophus Vermehren (1866-1950) depicts a kitchen interior with a seated older gentleman and three children. It was shown at the prestigious Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition in 1912. Vermehren was an accomplished academy-exhibited painter predominantly known for genre scenes and portraits.Titled ‘En Almisse’, this piece is a witty play on the term ‘An Alms’ - as in a gift to the needy. The children are queuing in the hope of fresh bread dunked into hot soup. The main figure bears a passing resemblance to Sophus’ father, the artist Frederik Vermehren (1823-1910) so it’s potentially an homage. He died two years prior, but it’s plausible that it was produced from sketches.Sophus was a master of interiors and captured the minutiae of this kitchen with careful consideration. Note the details on the back wall - the spoon rack, various utensils, and plates. Each illuminated by the light from a hidden window. He was initially trai...