Artwork

Portræt af en fisker fra Hornbæk

Portræt af en fisker fra Hornbæk, by Unknown, 1875
Portræt af en fisker fra Hornbæk, by Unknown, 1875

Portræt af en fisker fra Hornbæk is a photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1875, this portrait depicts a fisherman from the Danish coastal village of Hornbæk.

About this work

The photo was taken in 1875 and is labeled with the name *Hornbæk*, suggesting the man might be from that Danish fishing village.

This is a close-up photo of a man with a weathered face and a thick beard. He’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a fur collar around his neck. The lighting is dim, making his skin look rough and his expression serious.

The photo was taken in 1875 and is labeled with the name *Hornbæk*, suggesting the man might be from that Danish fishing village.

If you like this kind of realistic portrait, check out Realism.

Overview

Created in 1875, this portrait depicts a fisherman from the Danish coastal village of Hornbæk. The image is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents a close‑up view of the subject’s weathered visage, emphasizing the rugged character of a 19th‑century seafarer.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a middle‑aged man with a thick beard, wearing a wide‑brimmed hat and a fur‑lined collar, attire typical of fishermen confronting harsh northern weather. The serious expression and rough skin convey the demanding life of a coastal laborer, offering a glimpse into the social reality of Hornbæk’s maritime community.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a realistic manner, the portrait relies on chiaroscuro lighting that casts deep shadows across the face, heightening texture and depth. The artist’s focus on precise detail and naturalistic coloration aligns the work with the Realist movement’s interest in truthful representation of ordinary people.

History & Provenance

The photograph was produced in the year it was taken, 1875, and later entered the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Its label bearing the name Hornbæk links the image directly to the Danish fishing settlement, confirming its geographic origin.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known