A Beech Wood in May near Iselingen Manor, Zealand

A Beech Wood in May near Iselingen Manor, Zealand

P. C. Skovgaard, 1857

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Artist: P. C. Skovgaard (Danish, 1817–1875)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 189.5 × 158.5 cm
Museum: SMK – National Gallery of Denmark
Rights: Public Domain Mark

Danish artists preferred to depict the Danish countryside in summer. Winter scenes were only rarely painted, and for long spring and autumn scenes were never seen. Artists seemed to wish to depict an unchanging world, preferring not to show changes in nature. Indeed, Skovgaard procrastinated for several years before embarking on depicting the beech forest during its brief glory in May where the leaves have just unfurled and are a delicate light green.

He found his motif in South Zealand near the manor house of Iselingen. He depicted the beech forest almost like a sacred hall. The upright trunks and the tree crowns arching above the pathway create a church-like space. The forest presents a peaceful aspect; this is a place where you can safely let your children play.

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