Artwork

Portræt af skaldet mand

Portræt af skaldet mand, by Unknown, 1750
Portræt af skaldet mand, by Unknown, 1750

Portræt af skaldet mand 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

This black‑and‑white portrait, dated to around 1750, shows a bald man with a short beard and moustache, dressed in a dark coat featuring a spotted fur collar. The figure is presented from the shoulders up, set against a dark backdrop that lightens toward the right side of the frame.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s neutral expression and slight turn to his left suggest a formal, dignified representation typical of portraiture intended to convey status or identity. The lack of overt symbolism focuses attention on the individual’s appearance and attire.

Technique & Style

Captured as a photographic image, the work employs chiaroscuro lighting to model the facial features against the deep background. The contrast between the dark coat and the lighter area on the right enhances the three‑dimensional effect, while the monochrome palette emphasizes texture and form.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the artist catalogued as 37329_person, the portrait has been part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Its creation around the mid‑18th century places it within the early period of photographic portraiture, though the exact circumstances of its acquisition remain undocumented.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known