Fishermen on Skagen Nordstrand. Summer evening

In the late 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, several European artists portrayed the life and work of fishermen. In the 1870s, the fishermen subject achieved great popularity among audiences, and the art and literature of the period, is filled with portrayals of heroic fishermen. Among the bourgeoisie, fishermen were regarded as heroes because of their dangerous work, and their heroism is often emphasized in the paintings. P.S. Krøyer's paintings of fishermen are on the other hand more peaceful, and especially this one: One of his first exploration of blue toned mood painting. Krøyer’s interest in mood painting was influenced by the work of the James McNeill Whistler. As his attachment to Skagen grew, the surrounding vistas provided him with an ideal environment in which to explore this direction in his art.