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Lot Essay
The present landscape's first recorded owner was the Danish painter, Anton Melbye, the brother of Pissarro's St. Thomas friend and studio mate, Fritz Melbye. Upon Pissarro's arrival in Paris in October 1855, Melbye was among his first contacts, mentoring and supporting the young artist. Pissarro would in turn list himself in submissions to the Salons of 1859, 1864, 1865 and 1866 as Melbye's pupil.
Following Melbye's death in 1875, the work was acquired by the Danish collector, Johan Hansen, who would be forced to auction the majority of his holdings in 1932-1934. The present lot remained in his collection until shortly after his wife's death in 1968, however, when it was offered at Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen. Acquired by Danish collectors, Scène villageoise passed by descent to the February 2005 sale, whence it was acquired by the present owner.
Following Melbye's death in 1875, the work was acquired by the Danish collector, Johan Hansen, who would be forced to auction the majority of his holdings in 1932-1934. The present lot remained in his collection until shortly after his wife's death in 1968, however, when it was offered at Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen. Acquired by Danish collectors, Scène villageoise passed by descent to the February 2005 sale, whence it was acquired by the present owner.