Who painted Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, Master of the Royal Hunt?

Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, Master of the Royal Hunt was painted by Emil Bærentzen in 1843.

Where can I see Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, Master of the Royal Hunt?

Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, Master of the Royal Hunt is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Can I buy a print of Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, Master of the Royal Hunt?

Museum-quality prints of Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, Master of the Royal Hunt are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, Master of the Royal Hunt

Emil Bærentzen , 1843

Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, Master of the Royal Hunt is an oil painting by Emil Bærentzen. It dates from 1843 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1843 by Danish portraitist Emil Bærentzen, this oil painting depicts Hartvig Frederik Emil Benzon, who held the title Master of the Royal Hunt. The work is part of the Statens Museum for Kunst collection and exemplifies Bærentzen’s focus on individual likenesses during Denmark’s Golden Age of painting.

Subject & Meaning

Benzon is presented in a formal military-style jacket trimmed with gold embroidery, a white cape draped over his shoulder, and a composed, serious expression. The attire and title underscore his official role within the royal court, while the restrained pose conveys a sense of duty and authority.

Technique & Style

Bærentzen employs a muted green backdrop that recedes behind the figure, allowing the richly detailed jacket and cape to dominate the composition. Subtle chiaroscuro models Benzon’s face and upper torso, creating depth and emphasizing the texture of the fabric and the precision of the gold ornamentation.

History & Provenance

The portrait was produced by Bærentzen, who also founded the lithographic house Em. Bærentzen & Co., a leading publisher of portrait prints in the mid‑19th century. After its creation, the painting entered the holdings of Denmark’s national gallery, where it remains on view.

Context

During the Danish Golden Age, portraiture served both documentary and commemorative functions, often highlighting the status of civil and military officials. Bærentzen’s work aligns with this tradition, offering a realistic yet dignified representation of a court functionary within a period of burgeoning national identity.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Emil Bærentzen

Emilius Ditlev Bærentzen, usually known as Emil Bærentzen (30 October 1799 – 14 February 1868) was a Danish portrait painter and lithographer, active during the Golden Age of Danish Painting. He founded Em. Bærentzen & Co.