Artwork

The Visit of Karin Månsdotter to Eric XIV

The Visit of Karin Månsdotter to Eric XIV, by Unknown, 1881
The Visit of Karin Månsdotter to Eric XIV, by Unknown, 1881

The Visit of Karin Månsdotter to Eric XIV is a photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1881 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The work titled The Visit of Karin Månsdotter to Eric XIV, executed in 1881, is an image held in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It depicts a dimly lit interior scene in which two figures interact near a window, while a dog rests on the floor and a large bed dominates the right side of the space.

Subject & Meaning

The composition suggests a private encounter between a woman, identified as Karin Månsdotter, and a male figure, presumed to be King Eric XIV. The woman's posture, leaning forward with a small object in her hands, conveys a moment of intimacy or petition, while the subdued atmosphere underscores the seriousness of the historical meeting.

Technique & Style

The image employs a chiaroscuro effect, with soft illumination from the window casting gentle shadows that model the figures and furnishings. The contrast between light and dark creates depth and a quiet drama, while the period costume and antique furniture reinforce a historical aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created by the artist listed as 1163_person in 1881, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. No further documentation of its acquisition or exhibition history is provided in the source material.

Context

Karin Månsdotter, a commoner who later became queen consort of Sweden, is historically associated with King Eric XIV. The image reflects 19th‑century interest in romanticized depictions of Scandinavian royal narratives, situating the work within a broader trend of historicist visual storytelling.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known