Artwork
The Artist's Wife

The Artist's Wife 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 The Artist’s Wife, attributed to the photographer known as 608_person, dates to around 1750 and is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. It is a monochrome photographic image that presents a solitary female figure in a formal pose.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a woman whose face is intentionally out of focus, yet her serious expression and direct gaze convey a restrained solemnity. She wears a veil that drapes over her hair and shoulders, complemented by a dark dress with a ruffled collar, suggesting modesty and perhaps a ceremonial context.
Technique & Style
Executed in black‑and‑white, the photograph relies on strong contrast between the dark background and the illuminated figure, enhancing her presence. The blurred facial detail may result from the photographic process of the period, while the overall composition emphasizes formality and restraint.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1750, the image has remained in the custody of the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 608_person is based on catalog records, though further biographical information about the photographer is scarce.
Artist & collection



















