Artwork
Johan Samuel Lothigius, Chief Judge, Secretary of the Göta Court of Appeal
Johan Samuel Lothigius, Chief Judge, Secretary of the Göta Court of Appeal is an unspecified painting by Johan Carl Fredrik Viertel. It dates from 1813 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1813 by Swedish painter Johan Carl Fredrik Viertel, this oil portrait presents Johan Samuel Lothigius, who served as chief judge and secretary of the Göta Court of Appeal. The work is part of the Nationalmuseum’s collection and exemplifies early‑19th‑century official portraiture in Sweden.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Lothigius, is shown from the chest upward, his white hair contrasting with a dark blue coat trimmed in red and a crisp white shirt. His solemn expression and direct gaze convey the gravitas appropriate to a high‑ranking judicial official, emphasizing authority and composure.
Technique & Style
Viertel employs chiaroscuro, juxtaposing illuminated facial features against a muted brown background to model volume and give the figure a three‑dimensional presence. The restrained palette and careful handling of light reflect the academic conventions of the period while highlighting the subject’s dignified demeanor.
History & Provenance
The portrait has remained in Sweden since its execution, eventually entering the Nationalmuseum’s holdings, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s representation of early 19th‑century portraiture. Its provenance traces directly to the artist’s studio and the official circles of the Göta Court of Appeal.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johan Carl Fredrik Viertel (1772–1834) was an artist, born in Copenhagen.
