Haddock 1886

Emil Carlsen painted this still life of haddock using oil on canvas. The scumbled surface shows the materiality of the paint itself, with visible brushstrokes that capture the texture of the fish scales and the reflective glaze of the ceramic plate. The painting process elevates these ordinary objects, endowing them with a quiet dignity. Carlsen was an expert in rendering light and shadow, which is evident in the way he captures the subtle gradations of color on the fish. The handling of paint is particularly masterful. Notice how he achieves a sense of depth and volume with just a few strokes. The painting reflects the rise of consumer culture at the time, as mass production made objects like these ceramic plates more widely available. By highlighting the beauty of everyday objects, Carlsen challenges traditional hierarchies of art and craft.