A Girl Reading in an Interior - Peter Vilhelm Ilsted - Framed art Print

Peter Vilhelm Ilsted (1861-1933) was initially a painter of portraits but his artistic style was transformed under the influence of his brother-in-law Vilhelm Hammershøi and his close confidant, Carl Holsøe. These three became notable figures in Denmark's early 20th-century art scene and were part of the Free Exhibitions (Den Frie Udstilling), a pioneering art collective founded in 1891. They were known for their "Sunshine and Silent Rooms" artworks, characterised by nuanced colours, they painted serene scenes that mirrored the peacefulness of a well-ordered life, reminiscent of Vermeer's earlier works. This unique art style was later dubbed the 'Copenhagen Interior School'.

Their artwork, often presenting meticulously arranged rooms from a rear perspective, stirred a mix of tranquility and intrigue. Viewers found themselves pondering whether the scenes truly depicted serenity. Ilsted, in particular, preferred using his home's interior and family members as models, capturing them in domestic settings like kitchens and drawing rooms. His work always accentuated the interplay of light on various surfaces.

Like his Danish contemporaries, Ilsted was an extensive traveler. He embarked on a study trip in 1885, exploring Italy, Egypt, Palestine, Greece, and Turkey, later visiting numerous other European countries and Morocco. He died in Copenhagen in 1933.