Artwork

Johan Vilhelm von Beckern (1655-1733), friherre, generalmajor

Johan Vilhelm von Beckern (1655-1733), friherre, generalmajor, by David von Krafft, oil, 1699
Johan Vilhelm von Beckern (1655-1733), friherre, generalmajor, by David von Krafft, oil, 1699

Johan Vilhelm von Beckern (1655-1733), friherre, generalmajor is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist David von Krafft. It dates from 1699 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created around 1699 by David von Krafft, portrays Johan Vilhelm von Beckern, a Swedish nobleman and generalmajor. The work is characteristic of the Rococo movement and is now part of the Nationalmuseum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Johan Vilhelm von Beckern (1655-1733), is depicted in attire reflective of his 18th-century noble and military status. His confident stance, with a sword at his side and hand resting on a table, conveys authority and dignity.

Technique & Style

Von Krafft employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimension, accentuating the subject against a dark background. This technique, along with the meticulous rendering of textures and the overall composition, aligns with Rococo's emphasis on detail and spatiality.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1699, the year after von Krafft succeeded his uncle as court painter to the Swedish Royal Court, the portrait showcases his skill in capturing the era's nobility. It is currently held in the Nationalmuseum's collection.

Context

As a court painter, von Krafft's work was influenced by his training under David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl and the artistic demands of the Swedish Royal Court, reflecting the blend of Swedish and broader European artistic trends of the time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of David von Krafft

Artist

David von Krafft

David Krafft, from 1719 David von Krafft (1655 – 20 September 1724), was a German-Swedish painter, the nephew and student of David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl and his successor (in 1698) as painter to the Swedish Royal Court.

Nationalmuseum

Museum

Nationalmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Nationalmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.