Artwork

Kong Frederik III med familie

Kong Frederik III med familie, by Unknown, 1750
Kong Frederik III med familie, by Unknown, 1750

Kong Frederik III med familie is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Kong Frederik III med familie, created circa 1750 by an unidentified artist (35241_person), is a portrait depicting King Frederick III of Denmark with his family. The work is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait showcases King Frederick III and his family in formal, 17th-century attire, highlighting their status. The king's military coat and sword, alongside the queen's elegant pose with a fan, convey power and refinement. The inclusion of their four children, dressed in matching outfits, emphasizes family and lineage.

Technique & Style

The black-and-white photograph (of the original artwork) exhibits dramatic lighting, characteristic of chiaroscuro, which accentuates the subjects against a dark, richly decorated background. The contrast highlights the intricacies of the royal attire and the opulent setting.

History & Provenance

Created around 1750, the original artwork's artist remains unidentified. It is currently housed at the Museum of Ethnography, though the circumstances of its acquisition are not detailed here.

Context

Given its 1750 creation, the portrait reflects the artistic and societal values of the mid-18th century, particularly the tradition of formal royal family portraits. The setting, with its ornate details, suggests an emphasis on displaying wealth and status.

Legacy

The legacy of 'Kong Frederik III med familie' is not extensively outlined in the provided information, though as a portrait of a significant historical figure and his family, it contributes to the visual historical record of the Danish monarchy.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known