Harald Leth Art
Danish, 1899-1986
Harald Leth commenced his art studies with Johannes Larsen in 1921 before attending Harald Giersing's painting school from 1921–23. He later studied with Olaf Rude (1923–1924) and briefly, with Peter Rostrup Bøyesen. During the 1920s, Leth also studied in Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam, where he was exposed to the ferment of modernist ideas which led to a general lightening and brightening of his palette. Leth first exhibited at the Charlottenborg autumn exhibition in 1923. He became a member of several avant-garde art movements, including the Høstutstillingen (1934–44), Koloristerne (1946–50) and Matsuda Stillingen (1951–82). During his summers on the island of Bornholm in the 1920s, Leth became influenced by the work of Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, which helped him in the development of his own naturalistic style. Leth painted landscapes, still lives and interiors, often composed on a smaller scale. From 1944, when he moved to the north of Zealand, he adopted an increasingly coloristic style. During his long career, Leth exhibited widely and with success and was the recipient of numerous prizes, medals and juried awards including the Danish Academy medal (1929), the Eckersberg Medal (1958), the Thorvaldsen Medal (1966) and the Prince Eugen Medal (1983). His work is held in the permanent collection of the National Art Museum of Denmark and the collection of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Leth is well-listed in Benezit's Dictionary of Artists, Painters and Sculptors and Weilbach's Dictionary of Artists and all other relevant art reference works.
to
1
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
10,138
2,779
1,375
1,369
1
Artist: Harald Leth
'Flowers and Golden Apples', National Art Museum Denmark, Charlottenborg, Paris
By Harald Leth
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right with initials 'H.L.' for Harald Leth (Danish, 1899-1986) and painted circa 1935.
Leth commenced his art studies with Johannes Larsen (1921) before attending Haral...
Category
1930s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Related Items
Large Antique American Modernist Still Life 1940s Nicely Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist interior still life oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a modernt wood molding. Excellent cond...
Category
1940s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Oil, Canvas
$975
H 26 in W 36 in D 2 in
“Still Life, 1936” by Katharine "Kitty" Duff Church British Modern Oil Signed
Located in Yardley, PA
“Still Life, 1936” by Katharine "Kitty" Duff Church (British, 1910-1999).
This large, early painting by Katherine Church is among her finest canvases of the period. Characterized by its bold color palette, simplified forms, and expressive brushwork, this composition centers around a tabletop adorned with various objects: potted plants, a ceramic dish, bottles, and what appear to be books or papers.
The two potted plants provide contrasting elements: on the left, what appears to be a cyclamen with red blossoms and delicate leaves, and on the right, a lush green plant with darker foliage. These plants, painted with loose, textured strokes, add an organic quality to the otherwise structured arrangement.
The tabletop is cluttered yet thoughtfully composed, featuring additional objects like a clear, faceted glass bowl, a small bottle, and books or pads in striking red and green. The dynamic use of color blocks and the juxtaposition of shapes (round pots against rectangular books) create a sense of rhythm and harmony.
The background is darker and less defined, emphasizing the brightly lit tabletop. Church's brushwork is gestural and modernist, leaning toward abstraction, challenging traditional still life conventions.
This painting reflects Church’s interest in balancing everyday objects with bold artistic expression. It conveys both the simplicity and complexity of daily life, transforming an ordinary moment into a vibrant and engaging work of art.
This work is oil on canvas and is signed and dated in the lower right. It is housed in its original gessoed frame and retains various labels and inscriptions on the reverse.
Size:
28.25 inches tall by 36 inches wide (painting)
34 inches tall by 42 inches wide by 2 inches deep (frame)
Provenance:
Private collection, NY;
Acquired from the above
About the artist:
Born in Highgate, north London, Katharine Church, known as ‘Kitty’ amongst friends and family, always wanted to paint. She trained at the Royal Academy of Arts between 1930-1933 and at the Slade between 1933 and 1934. In her early years Kitty exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy. Her first solo exhibition was in 1933 at the Wertheim Gallery. Other artists who exhibited there included Christopher Wood, Victor Pasmore and Cedric Morris. Kitty also showed with the New English Art Club, the London Group and between 1937-1947 her work was exhibited at the influential Lefevre Gallery, which supported avant-garde artists such as Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. In 1954 the artist was invited to take part in the Figures in their setting exhibition held at the Tate Gallery.
Henry Tonks and Philip Wilson Steer had a strong influence on Kitty’s early work, but it was her friendship with Ivon Hitchens that liberated her painting technique.
In 1936 Kitty married Anthony West, the son of writers Rebecca West and H.G. Wells. The couple initially lived in London before moving to Quarry Farm, Chicksgrove, Tisbury, near Salisbury, where they brought up their children Caroline and Edmund. There they hosted many of their friends, including the New Zealand painter Frances Hodgkins. Other regular visitors before the War included John and Mywafany Piper, Ralph and Frances Partridge, Noel and Catharine Carrington, Julian Trevelyan and Mary Fedden. For many of those who visited Kitty would organise painting expeditions. After the war Kitty and Anthony separated, with Anthony moving to the United States.
Anthony West moved to the United States to work as a journalist for The New Yorker. In the early years after their parting Kitty visited most years with the children.
In the 1960s Kitty purchased Sutton House and ran the Hambledon Gallery at Blandford Forum. There she promoted the work of her early art-school friends Mary Fedden and Julian Trevelyan, alongside work by the Pipers, John Craxton...
Category
1930s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$4,950
H 34 in W 42 in D 2 in
Antique French Modernist Signed Sunflower Still Life Framed Rare Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage French modernist still life oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. Measuring: 35 by 20 inches overall. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a modern...
Category
1950s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$975
H 35 in W 20 in D 2 in
Antique American School Modernist Bold Flower Still Life Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very finely painted American modernist flower still life oil painting. Framed. Oil on board. Signed lower right. Image size, 12H by 17L.
Category
1920s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$700 Sale Price
20% Off
H 15 in W 20 in D 2 in
1950s "View from the Window" Jack Hooper Mid Century Still Life Oil Painting
By Jack Hooper
Located in Arp, TX
Jack Hooper
"View From the Window"
c. 1950s
Oil on Canvas
32"x25.25" silver and black wood frame 26.5"x33.25"
Unsigned
Minor wear consistent with age and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$1,750 Sale Price
50% Off
H 26.5 in W 33.25 in
Nicely Framed Vintage American Modernist Flower Still Life Interior Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage modernist abstract still life oil painting. Oil on board. Nicely framed. Signed. Excellent ready to hang condition.
Category
1970s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$975
H 21 in W 18 in D 2 in
La Corbeille de Fruits - Modern Still Life Oil Painting by André Hambourg
By André Hambourg
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed oil on canvas still life circa 1960 by French modernist painter Andre Hambourg. This beautiful piece depicts a basket of fruit; grapes, pears and apples, placed on a white clo...
Category
1960s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Vintage American Modernist Flower Still Life Framed Interior Scene Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist framed still life painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. Image size, 16 by 20 inches.
Category
1970s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$975
H 25 in W 21 in D 2 in
Vintage American School Modernist Rose Flower Still Life Nicely Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist still life oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed. Image size, 10H by 8L.
Category
1940s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$396 Sale Price
20% Off
H 15 in W 13 in D 2 in
Antique American Modernist Framed Flower Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very impressive early American modernist flower still life oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas. Image size, 12H by 16L. Exceptional...
Category
1940s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$1,180 Sale Price
20% Off
H 19 in W 15 in D 2 in
Antique American Modernist Framed Interior Scene Still Life Coffee Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist still life oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Measuring: 28 by 34 inches overall. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a modern wood ...
Category
1920s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$1,750
H 34 in W 28 in D 2 in
Vintage Signed Impressionist Flower Still Life Interior Scene Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique impressionist flower still life oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring 31 by 37 inches overall.
Category
1960s Modern Harald Leth Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$780 Sale Price
20% Off
H 37 in W 31 in D 2 in
Harald Leth art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Harald Leth art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Harald Leth in canvas, fabric, oil paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1930s and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Harald Leth art, so small editions measuring 23 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Robert Kulicke, Herschu (Herbert Schultz), and Shuvaprasanna Bhattacharya. Harald Leth art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $5,500 and tops out at $5,500, while the average work can sell for $5,500.