A walk along Skagen's beach with P.S. Krøyer

Peder Severin Krøyer(1851-1909)better known as P.S. Krøyer, was a Norwegian-Danish painter. He was raised by his mother’s sister and brother in law due her mother was declared unfit to provide him care(his father was unknown). He became a very talented painter and married an equally talented beautiful woman, Marie Triepcke. Krøyer featured Marie in many of his works including "Summer night at Skagen's beach".

The water seems almost cobalt blue in contrast with the yellow-peach dress of Marie. The yellow dress look nearly ethereal and at the same time real for the time in style. The brown dog is obediently sitting by his mistress looking to a side. "Summer night in Skagen's beach" is a great composition, not only the subjects' position but as a whole. Krøyer’s use of colors make this painting look interesting and original.

Krøyer was mentally ill and had to be hospitalized for long periods which proved to be too much for his marriage. After a long period of separation, he finally was forced due circumstances(his wife became pregnant of her lover) to divorce Marie. He finally died blind(advanced syphilis) at the age of 58. It’s quite remarkable that he painted his best works while being nearly blind and quite sick.

I believe this painting will remain among my favourites for the simple reason that it looks like a moment on time, a glance to the left and in any minute the woman and dog will continue walking along that beach.