Who painted Portrait of a Lady?

Portrait of a Lady was painted by August Eiebakke in 1905.

Where can I see Portrait of a Lady?

Portrait of a Lady is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Portrait of a Lady?

Portrait of a Lady is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Portrait of a Lady

August Eiebakke , 1905

Portrait of a Lady is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist August Eiebakke. It dates from 1905 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

August Eiebakke’s 1905 oil painting, titled Portrait of a Lady, presents a seated woman against a muted brown backdrop. She wears a dark blue gown accented by a light shawl and a small purple flower pinned to her dress, holding a book in her left hand. The composition conveys a calm yet serious demeanor, emphasizing the sitter’s poise within a restrained interior setting.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on a single female figure, suggesting an intimate portrait rather than a narrative scene. The inclusion of a book may allude to education or literary interests, while the modest floral detail adds a subtle personal touch. The overall tone, marked by the sitter’s composed expression, reflects early‑20th‑century ideals of dignity and intellectual presence.

Technique & Style

Eiebakke employs a pronounced impasto technique, especially on the shawl and dress, where thick, textured brushstrokes convey the weight and drape of fabric. This tactile approach creates a near‑three‑dimensional effect in selective areas, contrasting with the smooth, warm brown background. The palette of deep blues and soft neutrals underscores the figure’s prominence within the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1905, the portrait entered the collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. The museum’s acquisition reflects its commitment to preserving early modern Danish portraiture, and the painting continues to serve as a representative example of Eiebakke’s work from this period.