Who painted Portræt af Knipperdolling?

Portræt af Knipperdolling was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see Portræt af Knipperdolling?

Portræt af Knipperdolling is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Portræt af Knipperdolling

Portræt af Knipperdolling 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

The work titled Portræt af Knipperdolling is an 18th‑century portrait, dated to around 1750, attributed to the artist identified as 37417_person. The image is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as a representative example of period portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a bearded man with a full moustache, dressed in a dark, high‑collared coat. A metal chain drapes around his neck, a visual cue often associated with status or official rank. One hand rests on a ledge, holding a folded cloth or glove, adding a modest gesture that directs focus to his facial expression.

Technique & Style

Rendered in monochrome, the portrait employs a restrained chiaroscuro that models the figure through soft shadows against a plain, dark background. The limited tonal range and slightly faded surface give the image the appearance of an early photographic or print reproduction, emphasizing texture over colour.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its provenance prior to museum acquisition is not documented in the available records, and the identity of the sitter, referred to as Knipperdolling, remains the primary clue to its historical context.

Context

Portraits of this era often served to record the appearance and rank of notable individuals within a community. The inclusion of a chain and formal attire aligns the work with contemporary conventions for depicting persons of authority, suggesting the sitter held a recognized position within his society.