Artwork

The Architect J.D. Herholdt

The Architect J.D. Herholdt, by Julius Paulsen, oil, 1898
The Architect J.D. Herholdt, by Julius Paulsen, oil, 1898

The Architect J.D. Herholdt is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Julius Paulsen. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The Architect J.

About this work

Overview

The Architect J.D. Herholdt is an 1898 oil painting by Julius Paulsen, portraying Johan Daniel Herholdt. The work is characterized by its post-impressionist style and is part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Johan Daniel Herholdt, is depicted as a contemplative, older man, possibly in a professional or personal space, given the presence of a wooden surface and a document (paper/book) in his hand. His serious expression and sidelong gaze suggest introspection.

Technique & Style

Paulsen employed chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, to create depth and emphasize textures, notably on Herholdt's coat, hands, and facial features. The dark background with faint, partially visible letters adds to the overall sense of realism and mood.

History & Provenance

Created in 1898, the painting has been part of the Statens Museum for Kunst's collection, highlighting its significance within Danish post-impressionist art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Julius Paulsen

Artist

Julius Paulsen

Julius Paulsen (22 October 1860 in Odense – 17 February 1940 in Copenhagen) was a Danish painter.