Svend Johansen

SVEND JOHANSEN (Denmark, 1890-1970).
"Interior," ca. 1940.
Oil on canvas.
Recently cleaned by a professional restorer.
Measurements: 110 x 89 cm; 120 x 100 cm (frame).

Svend Johansen's painting falls at the intersection of expressionism, romanticism and symbolism. The vibrant colors in this canvas reflect the influence of Matisse, admired by the artist during his stay in Bormes. Formally, it highlights the depth achieved by multiple planes that extend into the background, from the chair in the foreground to the final door of the room. The work presents an intimate scene with a musician showing his violin to the viewer.

Svend Johansen trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. He also attended the Copenhagen Technical School, where he met Poul Henningsen, with whom he became a lifelong friend and companion. In addition to his work as an easel painter, Svend Johansen had an important career as a set designer for theater, opera and ballet. Together with Vilhelm Lundstrøm he worked for the Royal Danish Theatre. In 1948 he was awarded the Eckersberg Medal and in 1966 the Thorvaldsen Medal. His works are currently in the collections of Danish museums, including the Estatens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery of Denmark) in Copenhagen.