Nordic Table Setting

A finely detailed 20th century large watercolour still life that captures a traditional Nordic feast laid out with precision and care, and dated 1918.

At the centre of the composition is a generous cut of cured ham, its rich brown crust and creamy interior rendered with remarkable realism. Surrounding it are slices of rye crispbread, cold cuts, some cheese, and neatly folded napkins on delicate blue-and-white porcelain. A platter of fresh fruit  – apples, pears, and citrus – rises elegantly in a pedestal dish, while a curling sausage rests on a plate nearby. A floral arrangement in muted greens and browns adds an organic vertical balance to the arrangement, set against a soft teal curtain with an ornamental pattern.

The style is naturalistic and quietly formal, with a focus on precision, order, and calm. The artist’s palette leans toward cool tones – icy blues, soft greys, and earthy greens – offset by warm browns and flesh tones in the food. The brushwork is delicate and controlled, with smooth washes and crisp lines characteristic of high mastery in watercolour technique.

Textures are rendered with great sensitivity – from the porous bread to the glossy porcelain and leafy greens – imbuing the everyday subject matter with a sense of quiet reverence.

Size: 60.5 x 82 cm (including frame)