Artwork
Barneportræt fra midten af 1600-tallet

Barneportræt fra midten af 1600-tallet is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1650, this mid‑17th‑century child portrait is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1650, this mid‑17th‑century child portrait is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work, attributed to the artist identified as 37318_person, presents a solitary young figure against a dark backdrop, emphasizing a restrained, contemplative mood typical of the period.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas shows a small child with short, dark hair, dressed in a dark garment accented by a stark white collar. The child’s face is softly unfocused, and the gaze turns toward the right edge of the picture, suggesting a moment of introspection or a narrative beyond the frame.
Technique & Style
Employing chiaroscuro, the painter contrasts deep shadows with the illuminated white collar, giving the figure a three‑dimensional presence. This manipulation of light and dark not only models the child's features but also creates a subtle depth that guides the viewer’s eye toward the central figure.
History & Provenance
The portrait entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through acquisition (date unspecified) and has remained in the institution’s collection since. Its attribution to 37318_person reflects current scholarly consensus, though the artist’s broader oeuvre remains largely undocumented.
Artist & collection



















