Artwork
Three Young Girls (The Artist's Sisters: Alvilde, Ida and Henriette)
Three Young Girls (The Artist's Sisters: Alvilde, Ida and Henriette) is an oil painting by Constantin Hansen. It dates from 1827 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
The girls are all dressed in old-fashioned clothing, with the girl on the left wearing a dark dress and the other two wearing lighter-colored dresses.
This painting shows three young girls sitting together, looking at a piece of paper with a drawing on it. The girl on the left is holding a pencil and seems to be working on the drawing. The other two girls are watching her closely.
The girls are all dressed in old-fashioned clothing, with the girl on the left wearing a dark dress and the other two wearing lighter-colored dresses. The background of the painting is not very clear, but it looks like they might be in a room with some books and other objects.
The painting is very detailed and realistic, with the girls' faces and clothing shown clearly. It's a nice example of a portrait from the early 19th century. You can learn more about the artist, Constantin Hansen, who created this painting.
Overview
Created in 1827 by Constantin Hansen, a prominent painter of Denmark’s early 19th‑century artistic flourishing, this oil work depicts the artist’s three sisters—Alvilde, Ida and Henriette. The painting is part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst and exemplifies the domestic portrait genre of the period.
Subject & Meaning
The three sisters are shown seated together, engaged with a sheet of paper that bears a drawing. The youngest, positioned on the left, holds a pencil and appears to be adding to the illustration, while the other two watch attentively, suggesting a moment of shared creative activity within a family setting.
Technique & Style
Rendered in meticulous oil paint, the work displays a high degree of realism. Fine attention is given to the texture of the girls’ period clothing, the subtle modeling of their faces, and the faint suggestion of a room filled with books and objects, all contributing to a clear, intimate atmosphere.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the portrait entered the holdings of Denmark’s national gallery, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on works by leading figures of the Danish Golden Age, of which Hansen was a central participant.
Context
Although Hansen is often associated with literary, mythological, and national‑historical subjects, this piece diverges by concentrating on a private family scene. It offers insight into the everyday life and attire of early‑19th‑century Danish women, contrasting with his more public, historic compositions.
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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.
