Peter Ilsted, Piano Lesson

Peter Ilsted, Piano LessonA fine early 20th century etching depicting two girls at the piano by Danish artist, Peter Ilsted (1861 1933). Ilsted was one of the leading artists of his generation and his works are often compared with Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer. Note the strong emphasis on order in this composition with every element carefully positioned along horizontal and vertical lines. Even the wall panelling seems deliberately designed to draw the eye as the story

She seems like quite a shy lady or maybe she’s just looking forward to wearing something more comfortable

The use of light and shade is reminiscent of the way 17th-century old masters would use chiaroscuro to add drama

but these were never fully completed

the artist has given the subject character and life

This is such a beautiful piece and a window into a time gone by

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) created a fine version of the Annunciation

He studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Art in Stockholm and was soon commissioned by many of Stockholm’s notable dignitaries

The air is cool with only the sound of birdsong for company

he’s represented at the Munich Pinakothek

Christian Tilemann-Petersen (1874-1926)

As a ship passing through the billowy water

lashed with the stroke of her pinions