A lively post-war Copenhagen street scene by Otto Christian Olsen, painted with loose, direct brushwork and a warm palette of reds, ochres, greens and muted greys.
Otto Christian Olsen (1905–1966) was born in Copenhagen and was largely self-taught as an artist, having originally trained as a machine worker. He became closely associated with the streets and harbour districts of Copenhagen and was known as “Nyhavnsmaleren” - the Nyhavn painter - for his depictions of the city’s everyday life. His subjects included harbour views, street scenes, portraits, dancers and figures from the neighbourhood.
Olsen exhibited widely in Denmark, including at Kunstnernes Efterårsudstilling and the Charlottenborg exhibitions, and by the 1960s was well established within the Copenhagen art scene. He also had connections with the more experimental Galerie Køpcke circle.
This painting captures exactly the sort of busy urban subject for which Olsen became known: figures gathered in the street, painted with a slightly naïve, atmospheric quality and a strong sense of movement.
Signed Lower Left
Oil on Canvas
Max Width - 102cm / 40”
Max Height - 104cm / 41”
Presents well overall. Scattered paint splatters are visible on the surface in places but do not detract from the overall appeal.
In original wooden frame with moulded pale gilt slip.
