Peter Ilsted and Vilhelm Hammershøi, together with Carl Holsøe (1863–1935), were leading artists in early 20th-century Denmark. All three artists were members of the Free Exhibitions (Den Frie Udstilling), a progressive artists association founded in 1891. They are famous for painting images of “Sunshine and Silent Rooms”, all in subtle colors. Their works reflect the orderliness of a tranquil life — similar to the earlier works of Vermeer. Their art was later referred to as the ‘Copenhagen Interior School’. These interiors evoke at once a sense of calm and mystery. The orderly rooms are often viewed from behind—causing one to wonder whether the scenes are really tranquil.
self portrait with a cigarette![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61dS3co63sU/XxWg-2-7YDI/AAAAAAABDPA/48NlF0MEfIkcLgaAD-mICdfkmBkP2BTFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s770/02%2BSelf-Portrait%2Bwith%2Ba%2BCigarettte.jpg)