Danu makslas izstade : 1936. g. 16. II - 8. III : Rigas Pilsetas makslas muzeja (Danish art exhibition : Feb. 16 - Mar. 8, 1936 : Riga City Art Museum) [Catalog]

According to the exhibition catalogue introduction article Danish painting history dates back to the 18th century. Till then painters were foreigners invited by a king for a work at royal court. The determining role in the art development played foundation of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1754. Until mid of 19th century Danish art followed by the principles of French Classicism without any other influences. Only in the second half of 19th century national motifs began to appear. That's why current exhibition covers the period from about 1880s to the 1930s.

Among the oldest exhibited grand masters, who represented naturalist trends (without French influences) were: Michael and Anna Ancher, L. A. Ring, Vilhelm Hammershöj, Julius Paulsen, Joakim Skovgaard, Niels Larsen-Stevns. J. F. Willumsen was the only among older generation, whose works marked by the French influences and modernist experimentations.

Younger generation of artists was introduced by the group of Funen Painters, who formed an art colony on the island of Funen at the beginning of 20th century. They abandoned the traditions of the Danish Academy and developed own style using strong colors: Fritz Syberg, Johannes Larsen, Peter Hansen, Poul S. Christiansen, Karl Schou, P. Rostrup-Böyesen.

The ideas of French Impressionism came to Danish art in the 1910s and had gained popularity in depicting rural scenes and landscapes. Examples of this style were displayed by Sigurd Swane, Olaf Rude, Aksel P. Jensen, Oluf Höst, Axel Bentzen, Kraesten Iversen, Einar Nielsen.

The young generation moved away from Impressionism and showed mostly Expressionist influences: Jens Söndergaad, Ernst Zeuther, O. V. Borch, Niels Lergaard, Victor Haugen-Müller - their artworks are very different in style, but all worthy of respect for great landscape paintings.

Among most distinguished graphic artists introduced on the exhibition were: Jensen Helge, Lauritz Hartz, Hjorth-Nielsen, Hölger J. Jensen.

Exhibition also included sculpture works created mostly in the 1920s and 1930s.

Another catalogue introduction article outlines major sculpture features of Danish artists with focusing on sculptors of particular importance. Among participating sculptors of older generation were Niels Hansen-Jacobson famous for his symbolist and folklore works, and expressionist J. F. Villumsen. Gifted modernist sculptors of younger generation Kai Nielsen and Gerhard Henning developed themes of the naked female forms, Svend Rathsackand was known for monumental figures, professor at the Danish Art Academy Einar Utzon-Frank followed classical style, Gottfred Eickholl was inspired by French trends. All these sculptors were also represented at the exhibition.

At the event participated 34 painters and graphic artists, also 17 sculptors. Full list of 98 artworks follows two introduction articles in the catalog. For each piece of art identified used technique, year of creation, dimensions and owner. At the end included 19 full-page artwork reproductions.