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Dick Beer
First Time on the Art Market - Dancer Tying Her Shoes, c. 1916

c. 1916

$22,210.24
£16,262.32
€18,500
CA$30,158.18
A$33,807.08
CHF 17,629.62
MX$414,392.25
NOK 223,396.95
SEK 212,390.51
DKK 140,794.64
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About the Item

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) Dancer Tying Her Shoes, c. 1916 (Dansösen knyter sina skor, c.1916) oil on canvas unframed 102 x 80 cm Provenance: Within the family Beer until today. Exhibited: Göteborgs konsthall, 1944. Konstgalleriet Borås, 1947. Malmö museum, 1950. Konstakademien, Stockholm, 1973. Åmells Konsthandel – En internationell kubist, Stockholm & London, 2008. Millesgården – Dick Beer – Impressionist & Kubist, 2012. Condition: The painting remains unrestored and would benefit from evaluation by a professional conservator. Certain areas of the canvas require reinforcement to the stretcher to ensure its long-term stability. These considerations have been reflected in the artwork's pricing. Contact us for more information. Essay: This striking painting by Swedish artist Dick Beer, titled Dancer Tying Her Shoes (Dansösen knyter sina skor), is considered one of his masterpieces. Created around 1916, the work depicts a woman seated on the edge of a bed, delicately tying her dance shoes. The scene is imbued with a sense of movement and emotional depth, evoking comparisons to the works of Degas, yet rendered in Beer’s distinctive style. The painting invites the viewer to wonder about the identity of the woman and her story. Why is she half-dressed, preparing her shoes? Was she a muse, a lover, or perhaps an intimate part of Beer’s own life? Interestingly, Beer revisited this motif about two years later, creating a cubist interpretation of the same subject. This earlier version, however, captures a unique vulnerability and immediacy, standing as a testament to Beer’s versatility and emotional depth as an artist. The significance of Dancer Tying Her Shoes is further highlighted by its inclusion in several prestigious exhibitions over the decades: Göteborgs Konsthall (1944) Konstgalleriet Borås (1947) Malmö Museum (1950) Konstakademien, Stockholm (1973) Åmells Konsthandel: En internationell kubist, Stockholm & London (2008) Millesgården: Dick Beer – Impressionist & Kubist (2012) About Dick Beer (1893–1938) Born in London, Dick Beer relocated to Sweden in 1907. He studied art at Althins Målarskola and the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, before moving to Paris in 1912. His artistic journey was interrupted by World War I, during which he served as a volunteer on the French side. After recovering from injuries at Château de Rochefort—a location shared with the renowned Fernand Léger—Beer became deeply influenced by cubism. Beer’s works evolved over his career, oscillating between realism, expressionism, and cubism. While his cubist works faced harsh criticism early on, they later gained recognition as some of the finest examples of Swedish modernism. Today, Beer’s art is celebrated for its emotional depth and technical skill, with pieces held in major collections including the Nationalmuseum, Moderna Museet, and several regional museums in Sweden. This particular painting is not only an exceptional example of Beer’s artistry but also a window into the personal and historical narratives that defined his short but impactful life.
  • Creator:
    Dick Beer (1893 - 1938, Swedish, British)
  • Creation Year:
    c. 1916
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 40.16 in (102 cm)Width: 31.5 in (80 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    The painting remains unrestored and would benefit from evaluation by a professional conservator. Certain areas of the canvas require reinforcement to the stretcher to ensure its long-term stability. These considerations have been reflected in price.
  • Gallery Location:
    Stockholm, SE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1445215471712

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