Still Life with Roses and Mandolin 1884

Emil Carlsen made this still life painting with oil on canvas; it appears to be a single session of direct painting, alla prima. The surface is rough with visible brushwork; the artist seems to have been interested in capturing the play of light on the objects depicted, rather than aiming for perfect illusionism. The roses, copper bowl, and mandolin are arranged on a reflective surface, creating a sense of depth and texture. Carlsen's engagement with materials extends beyond paint, considering the making of the mandolin, the glass vessels, and the copper bowl in their own right. This brings histories of musical instrument making, glassblowing, and metalworking into the picture. The image celebrates objects of beauty, reminding us that a rich tapestry of skilled labor and material transformation makes these moments possible. Approaching a painting like this through its materials and making helps us to look beyond the simple subject, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.