Soren Emil Carlsen, an American Impressionist painter of Danish descent, was born on October 19, 1853, in Copenhagen, Denmark. His artistic journey began in his homeland, where he was surrounded by an environment steeped in creativity; his mother was a painter, and his cousin, who later became the director of the Danish Royal Academy, was a significant influence on him. Carlsen's initial academic pursuit was architecture, which he studied at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen. However, his passion for art led him to shift his focus from architecture to painting. In 1872, at the age of 19, Carlsen emigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago. There, he worked as an architect's assistant and began his formal art training with the Danish marine artist Lauritz Holst. Carlsen's early career was marked by financial struggles, and he often found himself on the fringes of the art world. Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated to his craft, and his persistence eventually paid off. Carlsen's early works were primarily still lifes, a genre for which he would become renowned. His still lifes are characterized by a quiet, meditative quality and a masterful handling of light and texture. These paintings often featured simple, everyday objects, imbued with a sense of dignity and beauty through Carlsen's skillful brushwork. His approach to still life painting was influenced by the 17th-century Dutch masters, whose work he admired for its subtlety and attention to detail. As his career progressed, Carlsen expanded his repertoire to include landscapes and seascapes, genres that allowed him to explore the natural world's tranquility and grandeur. His landscapes and marine paintings often reflected his Nordic heritage, with compositions that emphasized the serene and harmonious interplay of land, water, and sky. These works were marked by their entrancing light and atmosphere, qualities that resonated with the traditions of Scandinavian art. Carlsen's painting technique was meticulous and thoughtful. He was known to favor earth-based paints and recommended a limited palette to his students, emphasizing the importance of harmony and value in a painting. His advice to young artists often revolved around concepts and approaches to painting rather than specific technical instructions. Carlsen also experimented with egg tempera, a medium he used in combination with oil paints after 1900. Throughout his career, Carlsen was a respected teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion for art with many students. He taught at the National Academy of Design from 1905 to 1909 and lectured at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts for several years. Among his pupils was the miniaturist Rosa Hooper. Carlsen's teaching was driven by financial necessity, but as his financial situation improved, he reduced his teaching commitments to focus more on his painting. Carlsen's personal life was marked by a stable and supportive family environment. He married Luela Mary Ruby in 1896, and the couple made their home in his 59th Street studio in New York City, where they lived for the rest of their lives. They had one child, Dines Carlsen, born in 1901, who was homeschooled by his parents and followed in his father's footsteps to become an artist. Throughout his long career, Carlsen received numerous accolades and was elected to membership in the National Academy of Design. His work was widely exhibited and collected, and today, his paintings can be found in prestigious institutions such as the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut, and the El Paso Museum of Art in Texas. Emil Carlsen passed away on January 2, 1932, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of art that continues to be celebrated for its lyrical impressionism and masterful still lifes. His work remains a testament to his dedication to the craft of painting and his ability to capture the humble truth of his subjects with elegance and sensitivity.

Emil Carlsen Quotes and Sales of Works

Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current market values.

If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the artist, contact us immediately.

If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the works:

Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back, and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work and any kind of available documentation (purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme professionalism.

If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us and let us know your request. We will inform you about the available works. We also offer the possibility to subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be informed at the beginning of each month about the latest acquisitions of the art gallery.

You can send us pictures of the work:

• by mail –>  [email protected]
• by WhatsApp –> +39 3205747749