Artwork

Portrait of Gertrud Hage, née Heitmann

Portrait of Gertrud Hage, née Heitmann, by Jens Juel, oil, 1800
Portrait of Gertrud Hage, née Heitmann, by Jens Juel, oil, 1800

Portrait of Gertrud Hage, née Heitmann is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Jens Juel. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Gertrud Hage, née Heitmann is an 1800 oil painting by Jens Juel, a prominent Danish portraitist of the late 18th century. The work exemplifies the Biedermeier style, characterized by its intimate, domestic portrayal.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Gertrud Hage, née Heitmann, seated in a comfortable, private setting. Her attire, including a long white gown and light headpiece, reflects contemporary middle-class modesty. The inclusion of a fan, a vase of flowers, and a landscape painting on the wall suggests refinement and leisure.

Technique & Style

Juel employed chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing contrast between light and dark, to draw attention to Gertrud's face and hands. Soft, highlighted areas are set against a darker background, creating depth and visual interest.

History & Provenance

The portrait is part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst. While Juel's works are also showcased at Frederiksborg Castle, this specific piece resides in the national museum's holdings.

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.