Artwork
Skibe under land efter en byge
Skibe under land efter en byge is a photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1867 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1867, Skibe under land efter en byge is an oil painting attributed to the artist recorded as 2580_person. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑nineteenth‑century maritime genre.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas depicts three large sailing vessels battling a turbulent sea under a heavy, overcast sky. A modest wooden pier extends into the water on the left, where two onlookers observe the struggling ships. The scene conveys the precarious relationship between human endeavor and the forces of nature, emphasizing vulnerability and perseverance.
Technique & Style
The artist renders the water with vigorous brushwork, capturing the frothy crest of waves and the play of light on their surfaces. Contrasting chiaroscuro highlights the sails, partially unfurled, against the darkening sky, while the muted palette of grays and blues reinforces the stormy atmosphere. The overall approach aligns with Realist tendencies toward direct observation.
History & Provenance
Since its completion in 1867, the painting has remained in institutional care, eventually entering the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Documentation indicates no significant changes in ownership, and the work has been referenced in catalogues of 19th‑century Danish maritime art.
Artist & collection
