Peter Hansen (1868–1928)
By the Fountain in Civita d’Antino, 1920
Oil on canvas

80 x 101 cm

Inventory number B 332

Italy was a favourite destination for Peter Hansen. He first became acquainted with the country on his honeymoon in early 1899, where the newlyweds travelled via Florence to Rome. In the following years he returned repeatedly to Italy with his family for frequent and long visits together.

In 1920, Peter Hansen made his last trip to Italy, accompanied by his wife and eldest daughter. They visited Sorrento, Naples, Rome and Civita d'Antino – a small Italian village in the Abruzzo mountains where the painter Kristian Zahrtmann formed a Danish artists’ colony after having discovered the place back in 1883. Here Peter Hansen found this scene of a young, thirsty man leaning across the edge of the fountain to soak up the jet of water. Around him are three young women, each carrying a jar, enjoying a momentary rest in the shade. The warm lushness of the Italian landscape can be sensed in the background.

Published in

Erik Zahle: ”Malerisamlingens vækst” in C.L. Davids Samling, Tredie del, København 1958, pp. 129, 170-171;
Grete Zahle: Peter Hansen 1868-1928, Faaborg Museum, Faaborg 1993, cat. 46, p. 19;
Benedicte Bojesen and Susanne Thestrup Truelsen (eds.): Fynboerne i Italien, Faaborg Museum, Faaborg 2013, p. 165;
Susanne Thestrup Truelsen in Morten la Cour (ed.): Peter Hansen. Jeg maler det, jeg ser, Ordrupgaard, Charlottenlund 2022, cat.no. 62, pp. 136-137;