Peder Severin Krøyer (1851–1909), commonly known as P.S. Krøyer, was one of Denmark's most celebrated painters and a central figure in the Skagen Painters, an artists' colony that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the coastal town of Skagen. Born in Stavanger, Norway, Krøyer was raised in Copenhagen and showed early artistic promise, enrolling at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts at the age of 14. His talent quickly became evident, and he went on to study under the influential Danish painter Frederik Vermehren.

Krøyer is best known for his masterful use of light, particularly in capturing the unique, soft glow of the Nordic summer evenings, which became a defining feature of his work. His paintings often depicted scenes of everyday life in Skagen, from fishermen at work to the artists and intellectuals who gathered there. One of his most famous works, Summer Evening on Skagen’s Southern Beach (1893), exemplifies his ability to blend realism with an impressionistic handling of light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that has captivated viewers for generations.

In 1889, Krøyer married Marie Triepcke, herself an artist. Their relationship, though publicly celebrated, was complex and often difficult, and it deeply influenced Krøyer's work. He painted numerous portraits of Marie, portraying her as a symbol of beauty and serenity, even as their marriage became strained. These portraits are some of his most well-known and reveal both his admiration for her and the emotional undercurrents of their relationship.

Krøyer's later years were marked by personal and health challenges, including bouts of mental illness, which eventually led to his hospitalization. Despite these struggles, he continued to paint, producing some of his most poignant and introspective works during this period.

P.S. Krøyer's contribution to Danish art is immense. He brought a refined sensibility to the depiction of light and atmosphere, and his works remain some of the most beloved in Danish cultural heritage. His legacy as a key figure in the Skagen Painters and as a master of capturing the Nordic light continues to be celebrated, ensuring his place as one of Denmark's greatest artists.