Artwork

Portrait of Countess Eleonora Agnes Scheel, neé Raben

Portrait of Countess Eleonora Agnes Scheel, neé Raben, by Peder Als, oil, 1768
Portrait of Countess Eleonora Agnes Scheel, neé Raben, by Peder Als, oil, 1768

Portrait of Countess Eleonora Agnes Scheel, neé Raben is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Peder Als. It dates from 1768 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Peder Als painted this oil portrait in 1768, presenting Eleonora Agnes Scheel, born Eleonore Raben. The work is part of the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery, Statens Museum for Kunst, and exemplifies the aristocratic portraiture of the late eighteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, a countess of the Scheel family, is rendered with a composed demeanor, her pale complexion contrasting with the elaborate white wig and a low‑cut, dark‑blue gown trimmed in fur. A modest necklace and a floral brooch add a touch of personal adornment, suggesting both status and refined taste.

Technique & Style

Als employs a restrained palette of blues, whites, and earth tones, allowing the figure to emerge from a muted, dark backdrop. The soft modeling of light across the face and the delicate handling of fabric demonstrate a subtle chiaroscuro effect, emphasizing volume without overt drama.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has remained in Danish hands, ultimately entering the Statens Museum for Kunst’s holdings. Its documentation traces a clear line of ownership from the Scheel family to the national collection, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s portrait series.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Peder Als

Artist

Peder Als

Peder Als (1725–1776) was an artist, born in Copenhagen.