Birte Slente’s Oil Painting

This piece draws on the long tradition of still life paintings in European art. The subject of the still life varies across time and tradition, but this piece, by Danish artist Birte Slente, is fairly conventional: it shows a jug, a bouquet of flowers, and fruit, all of which form the basis of a number of examples in the genre. Yet, equally, the depth of colours gives the painting a much more modern tone, particularly in the contrasts between blues, greens, and yellow tones. The calm domesticity of the scene exudes senses of familiarity and tranquility.

Signed by the artist and dated (October, 1974).