Artwork
Slutningsscenen af Johannes Ewalds "Balders Død"
Slutningsscenen af Johannes Ewalds "Balders Død" is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1761 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Slutningsscenen af Johannes Ewalds 'Balders Død' is a 1761 work by an unidentified artist, currently housed at the Museum of Ethnography.
About this work
Overview
Slutningsscenen af Johannes Ewalds 'Balders Død' is a 1761 work by an unidentified artist, currently housed at the Museum of Ethnography. The painting depicts a chaotic scene inspired by the final act of Johannes Ewald's poetic work 'Balders Død' (Balder's Death), a Norse mythological narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The scene portrays a moment of distress and helplessness, with figures in antiquated attire reacting to a central figure on a rock, likely Balder. A woman in a light dress, possibly a goddess or mourner, gestures toward him, drawing the viewer's attention. The emotional turmoil and sense of tragedy are palpable.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a predominantly muted color palette of browns, greens, and reds against a dark background, utilizing chiaroscuro to create dramatic contrast and depth. This lighting technique effectively isolates and highlights the figures, guiding the viewer's focus towards the central, elevated female figure.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1761, the work's artist remains unidentified. It is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography, though the acquisition history is not detailed here.
Context
'Slutningsscenen af Johannes Ewalds 'Balders Død'' reflects 18th-century European interest in Nordic mythology, spurred by literary works like Ewald's poem. The painting's style suggests influence from contemporary artistic movements emphasizing emotional intensity and dramatic lighting.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
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Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
Oscars død
Die Schlacht bei Lipan 1434
The Danish Queen Thyra Danebod Trying to Soften the Heart of her Husband, Gorm the Old, towards some Christian Captives
Prins Buris, Liden Kirsten, Skøn Hulfrid og Stolt Ingefrid fanget af Ulf Svartskæg
Kriemhild an der Leiche Siegfrieds erklärt Hagen als dessen Mörder und schwört Rache
The Danish Queen Thyra Danebod Trying to Soften the Heart of her Husband, Gorm the Old, towards some Christian Captives
Oscars død
King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia
Hecabe mit den Leichnamen ihrer Kinder Polyxena und Polydoros am Grab des Achill
Death of Dido
Karl I. von Anjou an der Leiche Manfreds nach der Schlacht von Benevent am 26. Februar 1266
Slutningsscenen af Johannes Ewalds "Balders Død"