Wilhelm Hammershoi, "Interior with Young Woman Seen From the Back"

 

   It was back on December 13, 2020 when we first looked at a work by Danish artist,  Wihelm Hammershoi (1864-1916).   This work is very similar to our previous one, as it is in the same restrained palette and features his wife, Ida, as his model.  This one, too, contains that same element of mystery, coolness and distance typical of this period of Hammershoi's art.   

   It is immediately obvious that Hammershoi has great skill in rendering objects realistically and with great detail.  The covered bowl on our left is ample proof.  So, why has he zeroed in on this scene?  Why is she facing the wall, with her face turned slightly away from the light source, which is probably a window.  And, finally, why is she dressed all in black, with no white apron as seen in the other painting?  
   I hear no sound, no way of sensing what her mood.  Is she sad?  Has she turned away from us to hide her tears?   Or, maybe just the opposite:  has she turned away to hide a smile, a laugh that others would think inappropriate. 
   What is so wonderful about this painting is that we are allowed, even encouraged, to find the answers.  Hammershoi has provided a image, we make up the story.
   Besides the figure and the covered bowl, the composition is built around a complex series of lines and rectangles, some in shadow deep enough to soft focus the detail.   It is a beautifully composed painting. 
   "Interior With Young Woman Seen from the Back" is an oil painting on canvas, done in 1904.   It measures 23.8 inches high and 19.8 inches wide.  It is part of the Danish collection of the Randers Museum of Art, in Randers, Denmark.   
Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do. 
   

Comments

  1. Char HarguthSeptember 13, 2021 at 2:34 PM

    I looked at other art work of his, including a video accompanied by classical music meant to coordinate with the paintings. Some were almost wrenching, aided by the dark pallet, haunting emptiness, and figures viewed from the back. But I do find a softness in the blue gray and the very quiet atmosphere. He often used the same lighting, dish, bowl, chair or object and simple forms. In today's world she could be catering an event. So many stories come to mind as to her role. I thought he may not like painting faces, but he has done beautiful ones. He is so skillful at detail and creating a mystery. Is it reflective of his life?? Was he isolated?

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    Replies
    1. Art Expert On LineSeptember 15, 2021 at 6:27 AM

      This is quite funny, Char, because I too have wondered if he simply did not like painting faces. So great that you researched him further and watched the video. I will look that up and watch also. Your comments are always so "on target". THANKS.

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