Landscape from Esrum Lake (1915)

Langer, Viggo Peter Olaf (1860 - 1942)

Landscape from Esrum Lake

Oil on Canvas: 21" x 29"
Catalog# LANV-005

Executed with quick, yet flowing brush strokes, this landscape depicts a serene Esrum Lake setting ruffled by a storm. A sailboat in the right background has taken advantage of the sweeping wind that elegantly bows nature to the left. As the winds bring up sediments from the lake bottom, the ducks, scattered in the foreground, take advantage of an effortless feeding. Diverse thatched cottages and their distorted reflections line the rippling shore. The sunlight coming from the right illuminates the shore and offers a contrast of blue waters against a gray sky.

This atmospheric scene exemplifies Langer’s love of Sjælland and his technique and distinctive Impressionistic style.

Artist: Viggo Peter Olaf Langer (1860-1942)

  • Born Nov. 11th 1860 in Reudnitz (by Leipzig, Germany), died† Oct.11 1942 in Rungsted, Denmark.
  • Parents: Xylograph Hans Peter Hansen and Clara Aurelia Sophie Langer.
  • Married Louise Frederikke Caroline du Plessis de Richelieu (artist), May 4th 1887 in Copenhagen

Education:

  • 1877-86 - Student of Vilhelm Kyhn, and Sigurd Konstantin-Hansen at the Royal Academy of Art in Copenhagen.
  • 1884-85 - Pupil of the world famous Carl Bloch.

Travels & Stays:

  • 1886 - Italy (Sicily on and off the rest of his life)
  • 1893 - Paris
  • 1911 - Balkan, Kaukasus
  • 1920 - Varmland
  • 1933 - Menton

Awards & Acknowledgments:

  • 1894 - Raben-Levetzau Prize

Positions & Appointments:

  • * Member of the Royal Academy of Art / For the Royal Family Census for Art depicting the King & Queens Royal Forest.

Exhibits:

  • 1881 - December Exhibit at the Charlottenborg Palace.
  • 1882-95, 1900-43 - Spring Exhibition at the Charlottenborg Palace.
  • 1883-88 - Nordic Exhibition in Copenhagen.
  • 1907-09 - KE Exhibit
  • 1901 - Town Hall Exhibit in Copenhagen.
  • 1909 - National Art Exhibit in Arhus.
  • 1913, 16-43 - Royal Forest Artist Exhibition.
  • 1918 - Easter Exhibition at Constantia, (Charlottenborg Palace).
  • 1921,26,32 - Exhibit of national artists in Copenhagen.
  • 1926 - Association of National Art Exhibit at the Charlottenborg Palace.
  • 1974, 82 - “In memory of…” National Exhibits: Sollerod, Holtegaard, and Copenhagen.

Biography

Viggo Langer is known for his beautifully executed Impressionistic landscapes and atmospheric paintings not only influenced by early Impressionist artists, but golden age artists like Vilhelm Kyhn and J. T. Lyndbye. A master of light and color (specifically sunlit forest scenes), Langer is famous for his scenic depictions of Denmark’s capital island of Sjælland.

Due to his appointment to the Royal Court, many of his paintings depict the striking Royal Forest north of Copenhagen, of which most were later exhibited throughout Europe and numerous national magazines. Unknown to most, Langer was an educated concert singer performing throughout the 1890’s at the King’s Royal Theater (Dagmarteatret in Copenhagen).

Truly one of Denmark’s first and best loved Early Impressionists!