Artwork
Portræt af Holger Aagaard Hammerich som 4-årig

Portræt af Holger Aagaard Hammerich som 4-årig is a photography by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
The child’s calm, direct gaze feels surprisingly modern even though it’s over 170 years old.
This is a round photo of a young child with light brown hair and a serious expression. The child is wearing a dark, simple dress with a high neck. The background is plain and light, keeping all focus on the face.
This photo was taken in 1849, when cameras were new and portraits were rare. The child’s calm, direct gaze feels surprisingly modern even though it’s over 170 years old.
Next, look up Romanticism to see how this style valued emotion and individuality in art.
Overview
This 1849 photograph, 'Portræt af Holger Aagaard Hammerich som 4-årig', is a rare example of early portrait photography. It is a circular image of a young child.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a four-year-old boy, Holger Aagaard Hammerich, depicted with a serious expression and direct gaze. His simple, dark attire contrasts with a plain, light background, emphasizing his face.
Technique & Style
The photograph's circular format and plain background reflect the technical limitations and artistic choices of early photography. The child's calm demeanor contributes to a sense of timelessness.
History & Provenance
Created in 1849, this photograph is held at the Museum of Ethnography. It is an early example of portrait photography, a genre that was still in its infancy at the time.
Context
The image relates to the broader artistic movement of Romanticism, which emphasized emotion and individuality. Although not a traditional Romantic work, the photograph's focus on the child's expression aligns with these values.
Artist & collection



















