Painting - Boats on Nyhavn Canal
2023.0025
Creation Date
after 1956Materials
Dimensions
21 1/2" H x 24" W
Description
Architecture of central Copenhagen and atmospheric city scenes were a favorite subject of Lis Bjergsted who painted Nyhavn Canal many times. She supported her musician husband and sons by selling her paintings in galleries. Her son describes her as, “an astute diplomat with a strong sense of fairness, solidarity and modesty, and she refused to discuss herself or her art out of fear of sounding brash or provoking jealousy. She was serious about her art and the art of others, and when asked would always offer a diplomatic opinion. Her husband always signed her work, and until his death, she had never signed a canvas or a watercolor knowing that after all, it was her husband's canvas and oil paint which got her started. Having him signing every piece of work had given him an important function and input into every picture. Her work ethic throughout her life was exemplary, she worked 12 -14 hours every day 7 days per week and rarely would she take time out for leisure.”
Because she involved her husband in her work by asking him to add her signature to all of her paintings, we can date this painting as he developed this distinctive signature style and changed from black to brown paint in 1956.
The subject of the painting, “Nyhavn is a 17th century waterfront,canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen, Denmark. Stretching from Kongens Nytorv to the harbour front south of the Royal Playhouse, it is lined by brightly coloured 17th and early 18th century townhouses and bars, cafes and restaurants.”Wikipedia