Who painted Ærkeenglen Raphael?

Ærkeenglen Raphael was painted by Peder Als in 1757.

Where can I see Ærkeenglen Raphael?

Ærkeenglen Raphael is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Ærkeenglen Raphael?

Ærkeenglen Raphael is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Ærkeenglen Raphael

Peder Als , 1757

Ærkeenglen Raphael is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Peder Als. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The composition centers on a youthful female figure rendered with a serene expression, her dark hair framing a calm visage.

Created in 1757 by Danish artist Peder Als, Ærkeenglen Raphael is a religious work executed on copper. The composition centers on a youthful female figure rendered with a serene expression, her dark hair framing a calm visage. She wears a modest black garment edged with a white collar, her hands folded in a gesture of quiet reverence. The painting resides in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

Although titled after the archangel Raphael, the figure is presented as a young woman, suggesting an allegorical interpretation of the angelic messenger as a personified virtue. The gentle demeanor and folded hands evoke themes of prayer and intercession, aligning the work with 18th‑century devotional imagery that emphasized personal piety and the comforting presence of celestial guardians.

Technique & Style

Als employed the copper support to achieve a luminous surface, allowing delicate gradations of light and shadow to model the face. A restrained chiaroscuro effect creates a subtle glow around the features, while the expansive, muted‑gray wings recede into the dark backdrop, their fabric‑like texture suggesting both weight and ethereality. The overall palette remains subdued, reinforcing the contemplative mood.

History & Provenance

The painting was completed in the mid‑18th century, a period when Als was active at the Danish court. It entered the national collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s holdings of religious art from the Enlightenment era. Its provenance traces directly from the artist’s workshop to the state museum, with no recorded changes of ownership.