Artwork

The Painter Vilhelm Kyhn

The Painter Vilhelm Kyhn, by Unknown, 1850
The Painter Vilhelm Kyhn, by Unknown, 1850

The Painter Vilhelm Kyhn is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1850, this portrait by the artist known as 1032_person is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1850, this portrait by the artist known as 1032_person is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. Rendered as an image, the work presents a solitary male figure illuminated against a shadowy backdrop, emphasizing the sitter’s facial features and attire. The composition’s restrained palette and focused lighting give the piece a quiet, contemplative presence.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a middle‑aged man with greying hair and a prominent, yellow‑brown moustache. He wears a dark coat over a crisp white shirt and a modest tie, suggesting a professional or socially prominent role. His expression is sober, and his gaze meets the viewer directly, conveying a sense of confidence and formality typical of 19th‑century portraiture.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated areas of the face and upper torso with a deep, almost black background. This handling of light creates a three‑dimensional effect, drawing attention to the texture of the skin, hair, and fabric. The brushwork is controlled, with smooth transitions that reinforce the portrait’s realistic yet subtly dramatic tone.

History & Provenance

Attributed to 1032_person and dated circa 1850, the painting entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its inclusion in the museum’s collection reflects the institution’s broader interest in documenting cultural and artistic representations from the mid‑19th century, though further details about its acquisition remain limited.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known