Sweetness and Poison

The museum acquires a rare work by Nicoline Tuxen.

Nicoline Tuxen (1847–1931) belonged to a pioneering generation of women painters. Her Still Life with Flowers and Fly Agaric on a Windowsill was one of the highlights of the museum’s 2024 exhibition The Women’s Modern Breakthrough. Previously held in a private collection, the painting has now been acquired by The Hirschsprung Collection.

Combining sweetness with a hint of poison, the subject lends itself to several interpretations. The painting is executed with remarkable skill: rapid brushstrokes form the composition, while the play of light across the unruly bouquet is rendered with great sensitivity.

Nicoline Tuxen fought throughout her career for access to a modern artistic education—and succeeded. Among other things, she was one of the first Danish women to pursue private art training in Paris. Her work is, however, rarely represented in Danish museums. Until now, only one painting could be seen at the Anchers’ House in Skagen. Another can now be found at The Hirschsprung Collection.

Still Life with Flowers and Fly Agaric on a Windowsill was acquired with generous support from the New Carlsberg Foundation.