Ice Pack near Taarbæk, North of Copenhagen 1853

Vilhelm Kyhn created this oil on canvas painting, Ice Pack near Taarbæk, North of Copenhagen, sometime in the mid-19th century. Oil paint is an interesting material, because it can capture a scene with convincing realism, or be applied in a much more expressive way. Kyhn takes a bit of both approaches here. The piles of ice are represented with thick, impasto strokes, capturing a sense of volume and texture. Look closely, and you'll see a variety of blues, whites, and grays that create a shimmering effect. Meanwhile, the sky and distant landscape are rendered with smoother, more blended strokes, giving a sense of atmospheric perspective. Kyhn was interested in capturing the specific character of the Danish landscape. The scene, with its muted light and icy terrain, speaks to the realities of life in this region. It’s an unvarnished view of the natural world. By paying attention to the materials and the way they're handled, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's vision.