Artwork

Pastor Jens Bindesbøll

Pastor Jens Bindesbøll, by Constantin Hansen, oil, 1830
Pastor Jens Bindesbøll, by Constantin Hansen, oil, 1830

Pastor Jens Bindesbøll is an oil painting by Constantin Hansen. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1830, this oil-on-canvas portrait by Constantin Hansen presents the Danish clergyman Jens Bindesbøll. The work belongs to the period known as the Golden Age of Danish painting and is part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter appears with a solemn expression, his face marked by fine lines that suggest age and experience. Dressed in a dark hat and jacket over a white collar, he gazes subtly outward, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation that invites viewers to consider his personal character and vocation.

Technique & Style

Hansen employs a realistic approach, rendering the textures of fabric and skin with careful attention to light and shadow. The muted brown backdrop isolates the figure, allowing the nuanced modeling of the face and attire to dominate the visual field.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the portrait has remained in Danish public ownership, eventually entering the holdings of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Its provenance reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving works from the nation’s 19th‑century artistic heritage.

Context

During the early 19th century, Hansen was active in both literary‑inspired compositions and historical subjects, alongside his portrait work. This painting exemplifies his ability to blend personal likeness with the broader cultural values of Denmark’s Golden Age, where portraiture served both documentary and moral purposes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Constantin Hansen

Artist

Constantin Hansen

Carl Christian Constantin Hansen (Constantin Hansen) (3 November 1804 – 29 March 1880) was one of the painters associated with the Golden Age of Danish Painting.