Who painted Mogens Scheel von Plessen of Fussingø and Selsø?

Mogens Scheel von Plessen of Fussingø and Selsø was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see Mogens Scheel von Plessen of Fussingø and Selsø?

Mogens Scheel von Plessen of Fussingø and Selsø is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Mogens Scheel von Plessen of Fussingø and Selsø

Mogens Scheel von Plessen of Fussingø and Selsø 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 image portrays a seated gentleman, identified as Mogens Scheel von Plessen of Fussingø and Selsø, rendered around the mid‑18th century. He is shown with white hair, wearing a dark robe trimmed with white lace cuffs and a green sash, his right hand resting on the chair’s armrest and his left hand grasping a ring. A dark backdrop and a helmet positioned behind him complete the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s formal attire and the presence of a helmet imply a connection to the military aristocracy of Denmark‑Norway. The green sash and lace cuffs signal status, while the ring may denote marital or noble affiliation. The overall pose conveys dignity and authority, typical of portraiture intended to affirm the subject’s social rank.

Technique & Style

The work employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated areas of the figure with a deep, shadowed background to model form and create a sense of three‑dimensionality. The rendering of textures—fabric, lace, and metal—demonstrates a careful attention to material detail, characteristic of portrait conventions of the 1750s.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, the image is attributed to an artist catalogued as 774_person. It is currently part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is preserved as a photographic reproduction of the original portrait.