Artwork

Peder Rahr, købmand i Ribe

Peder Rahr, købmand i Ribe, by Jens Juel, oil, 1770
Peder Rahr, købmand i Ribe, by Jens Juel, oil, 1770

Peder Rahr, købmand i Ribe is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jens Juel. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Peder Rahr, købmand i Ribe is an 18th-century portrait painted in oil by Jens Juel in 1770. The work is characteristic of the Rococo style and is now held in the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Peder Rahr, a merchant from Ribe, seated at a desk amidst papers and a compass, conveying an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. His attire, including a powdered wig, dark jacket, and lace-trimmed shirt, reflects 18th-century fashion. The composition focuses attention on the subject through a dark background.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the portrait exemplifies Rococo's emphasis on detail and naturalistic representation. The use of a dark backdrop and the subtle play of light on the subject's face and hands showcase Juel's mastery of chiaroscuro, drawing the viewer's eye to Rahr's introspective expression.

History & Provenance

Created in 1770 by Jens Juel, a prominent Danish portrait painter of his time, Peder Rahr, købmand i Ribe has been part of the Statens Museum for Kunst's collection.

Context

As a Rococo portrait, it reflects the era's fascination with the individual and everyday life. The depiction of a merchant also highlights the growing importance of the middle class in 18th-century Denmark.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, as a work by Jens Juel, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Danish Rococo art and the artist's role in capturing the portraits of his contemporaries.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jens Juel

Artist

Jens Juel

Jens Juel (12 May 1745 – 27 December 1802) was a Danish painter, primarily known for his many portraits, of which the largest collection is on display at Frederiksborg Castle.