Where can I see Portrait of Emilie Krohn, née Købke, the Artist´s Sister-in-Law?

Portrait of Emilie Krohn, née Købke, the Artist´s Sister-in-Law is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Portrait of Emilie Krohn, née Købke, the Artist´s Sister-in-Law

Portrait of Emilie Krohn, née Købke, the Artist´s Sister-in-Law is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1838, this intimate portrait depicts Emilie Krohn, born Købke, who was the artist’s sister‑in‑law.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1838, this intimate portrait depicts Emilie Krohn, born Købke, who was the artist’s sister‑in‑law. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as a representative example of early‑nineteenth‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Emilie is presented in a straightforward, unembellished manner, her expression neutral and composed. The painting emphasizes her personal identity through modest attire—a light green dress with a white lace collar—rather than overt symbolism, suggesting a focus on familial connection and private presence.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a restrained chiaroscuro, using soft gradations of light and shadow to model the sitter’s face and garments against a dark, uniform background. The hair is simply gathered, and a small painted vignette on the bow adds a delicate decorative touch without distracting from the overall sobriety of the composition.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the painter identified as 1117_person, the portrait has remained in the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings since its acquisition. Its dating to the late 1830s aligns with the period when the artist was producing several family portraits, reflecting personal networks within the Danish artistic community.