Summer evening at Skagen. The Artist’s Wife and Dog by the Shore (1892 CE)

Summer Evening at Skagen. The Artist’s Wife and Dog by the Shore (1892) by Peder Severin Krøyer is a captivating masterpiece that encapsulates the serene beauty of a Skagen beach at dusk. This evocative painting portrays Marie Krøyer, the artist’s wife, standing gracefully alongside their dog, Rap, with the moonlight casting a gentle reflection on the sea. The work, a quintessential example of the Skagen Painters’ focus on light and atmosphere, invites viewers into a tranquil moment, glowing with the delicate hues of the “blue hour.”

The painting emerged from the vibrant artistic community of the Skagen Painters, a group of primarily Danish artists who gathered in the fishing village of Skagen, Denmark, from the late 1870s. Peder Severin Krøyer (1851–1909), born in Stavanger, Norway, and raised in Copenhagen, was a central figure in this group. He first visited Skagen in 1882 and, after marrying Marie Triepcke in 1889, settled there permanently. Created in 1892, this work reflects Krøyer’s fascination with the unique light of Skagen, influenced by his exposure to Impressionism during his travels in France. The painting captures a personal moment, as Krøyer often depicted his wife and their life together, set against the backdrop of Skagen’s natural beauty. The couple’s marriage, however, faced challenges due to Krøyer’s mental illness from 1900, leading to their eventual separation.

One intriguing anecdote surrounds the painting’s sale in 1893. After its exhibition at Den Frie Udstilling in Copenhagen, it was shown in Munich, where a German art enthusiast purchased it directly for 1000 kroner more than its expected price in Denmark. Krøyer expressed mixed feelings, preferring it to remain in a Danish museum but delighted by the international appreciation. Another notable detail is Marie Krøyer’s own artistic talent; though she trained as an artist, she largely ceased painting after marrying Krøyer, whom she regarded as superior. 

The artwork holds a significant place within the Skagen Painters’ oeuvre, embodying their dedication to capturing the interplay of light and local life. The painting reflects the Impressionist influence on Krøyer, particularly in its depiction of the “blue hour,” a fleeting moment at dusk when the landscape is bathed in a soft blue tint. This focus on atmospheric light underscores the work’s role in Danish art as a celebration of natural beauty and intimate human moments. The painting’s composition, with Marie’s radiant figure against a nearly monochrome sea, symbolizes tranquility and introspection, resonating with the Skagen Painters’ ethos of blending personal and environmental narratives. Its exhibition history, from Copenhagen to Paris, highlights its broader impact on European art circles, where it was compared to works by Impressionist painters like Paul-Albert Besnard.

The painting is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 206 x 123 cm (81 x 48 in). The composition employs a flat background to enhance the sense of depth created by the moonlight’s reflection. The horizon, positioned above Marie’s head, accentuates her luminous presence, showcasing Krøyer’s mastery in capturing the subtle effects of natural light.

After its debut at “Den Frie Udstilling” in 1893, the painting was exhibited in Munich, where it was sold to a German banker named Steinbart. Krøyer later facilitated its return to Denmark when Steinbart offered it for sale in 1900. Heinrich Hirschsprung arranged for J.C. Jacobsen to acquire it for the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in early 1902. Since 1937, the painting has been on loan to Skagens Museum, where it remains a cherished highlight of the collection.