Træer ved en bæk 1842 - 1905

Curator: Here we have Thorvald Niss’ etching "Træer ved en bæk," or "Trees by a Stream," likely created somewhere between 1842 and 1905, now residing here at the SMK. Editor: Ah, immediately I'm drawn to its starkness. It feels like a winter scene, even though there isn't any snow that I can clearly spot. It is very intimate; I can almost hear the soft trickle of the water. There is an overall feeling of quietude. Curator: That mood aligns with Niss's connection to both realism and impressionism, offering glimpses of everyday life filtered through an evocative, personal lens. The choice of etching enhances that intimacy you've observed. Its graphic language suited the aesthetic of that period perfectly. Editor: It really does feel like looking into a memory. I'm struck by the technical skill on display – those delicate lines that make up the bare branches and shrubbery—they convey such a detailed scene with remarkable simplicity. It almost feels unfinished, too. Is that intentional, do you think? Curator: Well, considering Niss's interest in capturing fleeting moments in nature, this 'unfinished' quality may have been his way of highlighting the temporary aspects of what we see around us. Landscape painting gained popularity as cities expanded in the 19th century, representing a sentimental, idealized image of Danish life in nature. Editor: That makes a lot of sense! You’re totally right, it brings an added layer to that impressionistic touch. It also highlights the subject here—a forgotten, almost decaying infrastructure that seems taken back by the overwhelming presence of the woods. I think Niss did an exquisite job here of calling attention to an underappreciated perspective in life. Curator: Indeed, an artwork is a way of questioning norms. The very act of capturing this ordinary scene contributes to an art form with a powerful historical impact on society’s definition of beauty. Editor: Yes, thank you! Looking at "Trees by a Stream" now I am compelled to think that seeing beauty in small details really matters. Curator: I agree! Niss gives us so much to appreciate in that which is unassumingly sublime.