Sommeraften i Tivoli 1888

Paul Fischer made this painting, Sommeraften i Tivoli, using oil paints and canvas. Here, the artist has used broad brushstrokes to capture the atmosphere of an evening at Tivoli Gardens. The oil paint, applied in layers, creates a sense of depth and light, mimicking the real-life glow from the lamps and festive buzz of the crowd. Look closely at the dresses of the ladies in the foreground – Fischer has used thick, creamy paint to depict the texture of the fabric, giving them a tangible presence. The scene speaks to the leisure and consumption of the time, with the figures dressed in their finest clothes, enjoying the park's attractions. It invites us to reflect on the culture of leisure, and the means of production that enable such experiences. Ultimately, understanding the materials and context of this artwork allows us to appreciate not only the skill of the artist, but also the social and cultural values embedded within the piece, and to question traditional distinctions between art and life.