Who painted Christian IV?

Christian IV was painted by Unknown in 1639.

Where can I see Christian IV?

Christian IV is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Christian IV

Christian IV is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1639 by the artist identified as 31140_person, this portrait is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1639 by the artist identified as 31140_person, this portrait is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. It depicts a solitary male figure dressed in elaborate 17th‑century attire, set against a dark, undefined background that emphasizes his presence.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is presented in a richly ornamented costume, featuring a gold‑and‑black jacket with a high white collar, a feathered fan in one hand and a walking stick in the other. In the period, such accessories signified high social rank, suggesting the figure’s wealth or authority.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the figure and create a sense of depth. The background is rendered loosely, with blurred hills and trees, while a red curtain frames the right edge, adding a theatrical element to the composition.

History & Provenance

The work has been documented as part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings since its acquisition, though details of its earlier ownership remain unclear. Its dating to the late 1630s places it within the broader European portrait tradition of the early Baroque.