Artwork

Dronning Semiramis som sværger ikke at ville rede sit hår før hun har underkuet et oprør

Dronning Semiramis som sværger ikke at ville rede sit hår før hun har underkuet et oprør is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Peder Als. It dates from 1758 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Dronning Semiramis som sværger ikke at ville rede sit hår før hun har underkuet et oprør (Queen Semiramis swearing not to comb her hair until she has subdued a rebellion) is an 1758 oil painting by Danish artist Peder Als, housed at the Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Queen Semiramis, a legendary Assyrian ruler, in a moment of resolve. Seated and surrounded by attendants, her calm demeanor contrasts with the intense focus of those around her, highlighting her determination amidst impending conflict.

Technique & Style

Als employed soft lighting and smooth brushstrokes to create a serene indoor atmosphere. Gentle chiaroscuro techniques subtly define the figures, emphasizing the queen's tranquility through the juxtaposition of light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created in 1758, the work is part of the collection at the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display.

Context

While historical context about the painting's creation is limited, it reflects 18th-century European interest in ancient Near Eastern legends and rulers, with Semiramis being a popular subject due to her mythological significance.

Legacy

Specific legacy details of this piece are not widely documented, but as part of the Statens Museum for Kunst's collection, it contributes to the broader understanding and appreciation of 18th-century Danish art and the enduring fascination with Semiramis' legend.