Frederikke Tuxen 1882

Peder Severin Krøyer painted this portrait of Frederikke Tuxen in 1882, using oil on canvas. The visible brushstrokes are key to its impact. Krøyer’s technique, applying paint with gestural marks, lends a vibrant quality. The materiality of the paint itself is emphasized. We can feel the weight and texture through the thick application, particularly in Frederikke's dress. The painting captures not just a likeness, but a sense of the sitter's presence and the atmospheric conditions of the moment. Krøyer’s painterly approach reflects a shift in the art world. Moving away from academic precision towards a focus on capturing fleeting impressions. This aesthetic choice is tied to broader social issues. The rise of impressionism coincided with industrialization and the changing nature of labor. Artists sought to depict the world around them with immediacy and authenticity. So, when we look at this work, consider the labor involved, not just in the skilled brushwork, but also in the broader context of artistic and social change. It challenges us to think about the distinctions we often make between art and craft.