Artwork
Maren Kirstine Poulsen, f. Johansdatter, kunstnerens moder
Maren Kirstine Poulsen, f. Johansdatter, kunstnerens moder is a photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1881 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
The painting features a woman with a serious expression, wearing a white lace head covering and a white lace collar with a large bow.
The painting features a woman with a serious expression, wearing a white lace head covering and a white lace collar with a large bow. Her dark clothing is visible beneath the collar. The background is dark, with a subtle gradient that suggests a studio setting.
The woman's attire and the style of the painting suggest a formal portrait from the late 19th century. The level of detail in the lace and the woman's face indicates a high level of craftsmanship.
For more information on this style of painting, look up the artist 6338_person.
Overview
Created in 1881 by the artist catalogued as 6338_person, this portrait depicts Maren Kirstine Poulsen, née Johansdatter, the painter’s mother. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of late‑nineteenth‑century portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is presented with a solemn expression, her face framed by a white lace head covering and a matching lace collar accented by a large bow. Dark garments are visible beneath the delicate trim, emphasizing modesty and the domestic status of the woman, while the restrained pose conveys dignity and familial respect.
Technique & Style
Executed with meticulous attention to detail, the painting renders the lace’s intricate patterns and the texture of the skin through fine brushwork. A subdued, dark background fades into a gentle gradient, suggesting an indoor studio environment and focusing the viewer’s eye on the illuminated figure.
History & Provenance
Since its completion in 1881, the portrait has remained within institutional holdings, eventually entering the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Its provenance reflects the museum’s interest in documenting personal and cultural histories through portraiture, preserving the work as a record of the artist’s familial lineage.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
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Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
