Hvid champignon 1913

This small, intimate print of mushrooms was made by Peter Ilsted, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. It's all about tone – layers of browns, sepias, and creams. Up close, you can see the way Ilsted built up the image. It's almost like he's caressing the plate, using these subtle gradations to describe the soft forms of the mushrooms, which are splayed out like figures in a landscape. Look how he renders the gills of the mushroom with such delicacy and care. The light catches the edge of the cap, creating this gorgeous glow around the edges, against the velvety dark shadows. There's something about the quiet, contemplative mood that reminds me of Giorgio Morandi’s still lifes, but with a Scandinavian twist! It's a lovely, subtle piece, it invites us to slow down, look closely, and find beauty in the everyday.