Artwork

Blokkedrejer ved Holmen Johan Vilhelm Gertner, kunstnerens fader

Blokkedrejer ved Holmen Johan Vilhelm Gertner, kunstnerens fader is a photography by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1840, the portrait titled “Blokkedrejer ved Holmen” is attributed to Johan Vilhelm Gertner.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1840, the portrait titled “Blokkedrejer ved Holmen” is attributed to Johan Vilhelm Gertner. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents a solitary male figure rendered in monochrome, emphasizing form and expression over colour.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is depicted with short, curly hair, a dark buttoned jacket, and a high‑collared white shirt. His direct gaze and solemn expression suggest a contemplative mood, inviting viewers to consider the individual’s inner life rather than any narrative context.

Technique & Style

Executed as a black‑and‑white photograph, the image relies on strong contrast between the dark background and the illuminated figure. The tight framing and crisp detail of the facial features reflect Gertner’s interest in realistic portraiture and his skill in capturing texture through tonal variation.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings after being catalogued as part of the institution’s 19th‑century photographic collection. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s studio, where it was likely produced as a study of a local worker, aligning with Gertner’s broader practice of documenting everyday people.