Artwork

Sulmalla venter forgæves Cathmor hos den gamle digter Clonmal, for hvem den døde Cathmors ånd viser sig

Sulmalla venter forgæves Cathmor hos den gamle digter Clonmal, for hvem den døde Cathmors ånd viser sig is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1850 by the artist known as 666_person, this oil painting is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1850 by the artist known as 666_person, this oil painting is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. It portrays a quiet, contemplative encounter between two human figures and a dog, set against a rugged wall overgrown with vegetation.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows a woman in a sleeveless dress and boots reaching toward a man who holds a staff. The man, distinguished by white hair, stands opposite her, while a dog lies calmly between them. The title suggests a narrative of waiting and a spectral presence, hinting at themes of longing and the unseen.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro to model forms, creating strong contrasts that give the scene depth and a three‑dimensional quality. Light falls on the figures, accentuating the textures of clothing and the rough stone wall, while shadows recede into the background, enhancing the overall mood of introspection.

Context

The work reflects mid‑nineteenth‑century interests in folklore and the supernatural, common in European art of the period. Its title, referencing a poet named Clonmal and a spirit named Cathmor, aligns with contemporary romantic fascination with mythic storytelling.