Artwork
Portrait of a Little Girl, Elise Købke, with a Cup in front of her
Portrait of a Little Girl, Elise Købke, with a Cup in front of her is an unspecified painting by Constantin Hansen. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Little Girl, Elise Købke, with a Cup in front of her is a portrait painting created by Constantin Hansen around 1850. It depicts Elise Købke, a young girl, in a contemplative setting.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Elise Købke, is portrayed in everyday attire, suggesting a focus on domestic, quiet moments. Her neutral expression and direct gaze contribute to an atmosphere of serene introspection, emphasizing the ordinary over the dramatic.
Technique & Style
Hansen employs a muted green background to contrast with the warm tones of Elise's brown dress, white collar, and the cup. This chromatic choice enhances the overall sense of calm. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the rendering of textures, from the ruffled collar to the girl's brown headscarf.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst. Created during Hansen's active period, it reflects his proficiency in portraiture, a genre he balanced with larger historical and mythological works.
Context
This work is characteristic of Denmark’s Golden Age of Painting, a period marked by an emphasis on national identity, everyday life, and nuanced emotional portrayals. Hansen's body of work includes notable historical pieces, such as *The Danish Constituent Assembly*, showcasing his range beyond portraiture.
Legacy
While specific impact of *Portrait of a Little Girl, Elise Købke, with a Cup* on broader art movements is not prominently documented, it contributes to the legacy of Constantin Hansen as a versatile artist of the Danish Golden Age, highlighting his ability to capture intimate, everyday moments.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
