Seated female model by William Scharff

Seated female model by William Scharff from the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen

In this episode, we’ll be taking a closer look at Seated female model by William Scharff from the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen. Welcome to Art, Culture & Books with me, Anthony King.

As always, I take all the photos and videos myself on location, ensuring you get an up-close and personal view of the fascinating world of art and culture. I’ll be popping in and out with commentary as this video progresses but for now let’s take a close up look.

Niels William Scharff (30 October 1886–20 September 1959) was a Danish painter, recognized as a leading proponent of Cubism in Denmark. As a student, he traveled to Berlin, Dresden, and Paris. Scharff received the Eckersberg Medal in 1924 and the Thorvaldsen Medal in 1957. He was knighted in the Order of the Dannebrog in 1943 and made a Commander in 1954.

Cubism, an avant-garde movement in early 20th-century art, brought a significant change to European painting and sculpture, influencing music, literature, and architecture. In Cubist artworks, subjects are broken down and reassembled in an abstract form, departing from traditional single-perspective depictions. Cubism is acknowledged as the most impactful 20th-century art movement, leaving a lasting impact across various creative disciplines.

The SMK, or National Gallery of Denmark, founded in 1896 and located in Copenhagen, is a prominent cultural institution. It houses an extensive collection of Danish and international art, spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary works. The museum is recognized for its comprehensive assortment of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, providing visitors with a factual exploration of the evolution of artistic expression and Denmark’s cultural heritage.

By Anthony King (c)