Artwork

Portrait of the Naval Lieutenant D. Christen Schifter Feilberg

Portrait of the Naval Lieutenant D. Christen Schifter Feilberg is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Portrait of the Naval Lieutenant D.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of the Naval Lieutenant D. Christen Schifter Feilberg is a mid-19th-century portrait, circa 1850, attributed to an unspecified artist (referenced as 1117_person). The work is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, D. Christen Schifter Feilberg, is depicted in formal attire, specifically a naval uniform, indicated by a dark coat with red accents, a gold shoulder epaulet, and a black hat. His serious demeanor and the meticulous rendering of his rank insignia suggest an emphasis on portraying his professional stature.

Technique & Style

The painting utilizes chiaroscuro, evident in the contrast between the subject's dark, detailed uniform and the plain blue background, accentuated by the subtle lighting on the shiny buttons and the subject's facial features, creating depth and focus on the sitter.

History & Provenance

Created around 1850, the portrait's artist remains unspecified in available records. It is currently housed at the Museum of Ethnography, though the acquisition history and previous ownership are not detailed here.

Context

Given its date and subject matter, the portrait reflects the artistic and social conventions of mid-19th-century portraiture, where accuracy and the depiction of status were paramount. The naval context places it within the broader tradition of military portraiture of the time.