Luplau Janssen (Danish 1869-1927)
Children Playing in the Kindergarten
Oil on canvas, signed inscribed and dated "Luplau Janssen, Kastrup 1919"
Size in inches: 37 h x 41.25 w
J20304
Luplau Janssen studied at the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen where he later taught, as well as attending evening classes at the progressive P.S. Kroyer’s Painting School where he was influenced by the Impressionistic approach to light. Janssen’s debut at the Danish Royal Academy Spring Exhibition at Charlottenborg brought him much praise, including awards in 1894, 1896 and 1898. He exhibited extensively including at the Danish Royal Academy until 1902, then the Free Exhibition and the Secession, Berlin. In 1909 he travelled to Paris where he attended the Academy Ranon. He exhibited at The Seccession in Berlin until 1927, alongside accomplished artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Cezanne, and Gustav Klimt. Janssen returned to Denmark but travelled extensively including trips to Rome, Berlin, Northern Italy and Munich, followed by Greenland in 1925. He was known as a skilled figure and portrait artist, as well as for his landscapes and decorative subjects. His portraits of children and his ability to capture intimate domestic settings were particularly popular.
During the 18th and 19th centuries Denmark saw the working class as crucial to developing a strong society and competitive economy, and was one of the earliest countries to create public schools. Janssen was part of the Modern Breakthrough movement, a strong movement of naturalism which replaced romanticism at the end of the 19th century. This group of authors and artists were important players in education reform.
Inscribed and dated “Kastrup 1919”, this charming painting gives us a rare glimpse into a bustling children’s classroom. We can feel the energy and vibrancy of the day, from the bright sunshine streaming in through the window to the excitement of the children as they prepare for class. The room is full of energy and the children are happy, each figure infused with personality and warmth. The children are in various stages of preparation, conversation, reading, etc. For example, at the far end of the table a young boy holds his arms out to a girl, possibly his sister, and we can feel the tenderness in his reach.
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