Who painted Et tatarisk gesandtskab på besøg i København?

Et tatarisk gesandtskab på besøg i København was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Et tatarisk gesandtskab på besøg i København?

Et tatarisk gesandtskab på besøg i København is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Et tatarisk gesandtskab på besøg i København

Et tatarisk gesandtskab på besøg i København is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The image entitled *Et tatarisk gesandtskab på besøg i København* depicts a small outdoor gathering of men, rendered in a dimly lit setting.

The image entitled *Et tatarisk gesandtskab på besøg i København* depicts a small outdoor gathering of men, rendered in a dimly lit setting. Central to the composition is a figure in a long coat with a chest sash, holding a folded document. Around him stand other solemn men, some clutching scrolls or a bow, while one kneels on the ground. A faint landscape of trees and distant light forms the background.

Subject & Meaning

The work records a diplomatic delegation from the Tatar lands visiting Copenhagen, suggesting a moment of formal exchange. The central figure’s attire and the document he holds imply an official capacity, possibly a chief envoy. The kneeling figure may represent a subordinate or a gesture of respect, underscoring the hierarchical nature of the encounter.

Technique & Style

Executed around 1650, the image employs strong chiaroscuro, with illumination concentrated on the faces and the central figure’s document, creating contrast against the surrounding darkness. The limited palette and careful modeling of light give the scene a three‑dimensional quality, while the composition arranges figures in a semi‑circular grouping that guides the viewer’s eye toward the focal point.

History & Provenance

Created by the artist catalogued as 31140_person, the piece dates to the mid‑17th century. It entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains on display. The work’s provenance prior to museum acquisition is not documented, but its subject reflects historical diplomatic contacts between the Danish capital and Tatar representatives.

Context

During the 1650s, Denmark engaged in trade and political relations with various Eurasian powers, including Tatar khanates. Visual records of such visits were uncommon, making this image a valuable illustration of cross‑cultural interaction. The depiction aligns with contemporary European interest in exotic peoples, often rendered with a blend of documentary intent and artistic convention.