Who painted Mandsportræt?

Mandsportræt was painted by Knud Larsen in 1891.

Where can I see Mandsportræt?

Mandsportræt is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Mandsportræt?

Mandsportræt is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Mandsportræt

Knud Larsen , 1891

Mandsportræt is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Knud Larsen. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Knud Larsen’s 1891 oil portrait presents an elderly male sitter, rendered in a restrained palette that emphasizes tonal contrast. The figure occupies a darkened space, his white beard and facial features illuminated against a muted background, creating a solemn, introspective mood typical of late‑19th‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a round‑faced man with a full white beard, his expression marked by deep lines around the eyes and mouth. The stark chiaroscuro suggests a focus on the passage of time and the dignity of age, inviting viewers to contemplate the sitter’s experience and character.

Technique & Style

Larsen employs smooth, blended brushwork without impasto, allowing subtle gradations of light and shadow to define form. The dark collar merges with the background, while highlights on the face accentuate the three‑dimensionality of the features, reflecting a controlled use of chiaroscuro that balances realism with a modest compositional restraint.

History & Provenance

Created in 1891, the portrait entered the collection of Denmark’s national gallery, Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving representative works of Danish portraiture from the period.