Artwork
Portrait of Queen Sophie-Magdalene
Portrait of Queen Sophie-Magdalene is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Lorens Pasch the Younger. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1773, this oil portrait by Lorens Pasch the Younger presents Sophia Magdalena of Denmark in a formal setting. The queen is shown wearing a silver gown richly embroidered with lace, a high‑styled hairdo crowned with a tiara, and a necklace and earrings. A throne‑like chair and a gilded mirror form the background, emphasizing the regal atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays the Danish queen as a sovereign figure, highlighted by the inclusion of a crown and an orb, traditional symbols of monarchical authority. Her poised stance, one hand resting on a fur‑lined sash and the other holding a small object, conveys both dignity and personal presence within the ceremonial context.
Technique & Style
Pasch employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated areas of the queen’s face and garments with a darker interior to create depth and focus. The rendering of the silver fabric and intricate lace benefits from subtle gradations of light, while the deep shadows enhance the three‑dimensionality of the surrounding furnishings.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the portrait has been part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection in St. Petersburg. The painting’s acquisition reflects the museum’s broader interest in 18th‑century European court portraiture, preserving an example of Swedish‑born Pasch’s work and its representation of Scandinavian royalty.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lorens Pasch the Younger (1733–1805) was an artist, born in Stockholm.
