Josef Theodor Hansen, Nocturnal Study of a Mosque by a Coastline - Antique Oil Painting

1900 - 1920

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This atmospheric early 20th-century oil study by eminent Danish artist Josef Theodor Hansen (1848-1912) depicts a substantial coastal mosque lit by the moon.

Hansen was one of the finest architectural artists of his generation, producing an array of exquisitely detailed works, which capture the splendour of historic European buildings. Working predominantly in Italy, his skilful brushwork achieves near-photographic precision and his oeuvre is one of remarkable accuracy. He was fascinated by form.

Here, we see a rare example of his preliminary plein air studies - painted onto paper while possibly seated upon the craggy rocks. In a palette, which is close to monochromatic, he emphasises the critical aspects of the view - its shimmering moonlight, cloud-covered sky, curved coastline, and imposing architecture. Taking careful note of the lighting, which creates a powerful sense of chiaroscuric drama.

It was probably undertaken on one of his many European study trips.

Signed in the lower right and held within a gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on paper laid on canvas

Overall size: 14½” x 22” / 37cm x 56cm

Year of creation: c. 1900

Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Artist’s auction maximum: £47,468

Josef Theodor Hansen trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and also at Leon Bonnat’s School in Paris. He exhibited extensively including at the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition. He’s represented at the Musée d'Orsay and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Learn more about Josef Theodor Hansen in our directory.

Physical Dimensions

Height

56cm (22.05")

Width

37cm (14.57")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA990431

Description

This atmospheric early 20th-century oil study by eminent Danish artist Josef Theodor Hansen (1848-1912) depicts a substantial coastal mosque lit by the moon.

“

Hansen was one of the finest architectural artists of his generation, producing an array of exquisitely detailed works, which capture the splendour of historic European buildings.

Brave Fine Art

Working predominantly in Italy, his skilful brushwork achieves near-photographic precision and his oeuvre is one of remarkable accuracy. He was fascinated by form.

fig 1. Josef Theodor Hansen, Nocturnal Study Of A Mosque By A Coastline - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. Josef Theodor Hansen, Nocturnal Study of a Mosque by a Coastline - Antique Oil Painting

Here, we see a rare example of his preliminary plein air studies - painted onto paper while possibly seated upon the craggy rocks. In a palette, which is close to monochromatic, he emphasises the critical aspects of the view - its shimmering moonlight, cloud-covered sky, curved coastline, and imposing architecture. Taking careful note of the lighting, which creates a powerful sense of chiaroscuric drama.

fig 2. Josef Theodor Hansen, Nocturnal Study Of A Mosque By A Coastline - Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. Josef Theodor Hansen, Nocturnal Study of a Mosque by a Coastline - Antique Oil Painting

It was probably undertaken on one of his many European study trips.

Signed in the lower right and held within a gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on paper laid on canvas

Overall size: 14½” x 22” / 37cm x 56cm

Year of creation: c. 1900

fig 3. Josef Theodor Hansen, Nocturnal Study Of A Mosque By A Coastline - Antique Oil Painting — fig 3. Josef Theodor Hansen, Nocturnal Study of a Mosque by a Coastline - Antique Oil Painting

Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Artist’s auction maximum: £47,468

Josef Theodor Hansen trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and also at Leon Bonnat’s School in Paris. He exhibited extensively including at the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition. He’s represented at the Musée d'Orsay and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Learn more about Josef Theodor Hansen in our directory.