Who painted Henry Madsen?

Henry Madsen was painted by Vilhelm Hammershøi in 1904.

Where can I see Henry Madsen?

Henry Madsen is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Henry Madsen?

Henry Madsen is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Henry Madsen?

Museum-quality prints of Henry Madsen are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Henry Madsen

Vilhelm Hammershøi , 1904

Henry Madsen is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Vilhelm Hammershøi. It dates from 1904 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Vilhelm Hammershøi’s 1904 oil portrait titled *Henry Madsen* presents a solitary figure rendered in a restrained palette. The work exemplifies the artist’s characteristic focus on quiet, interiorized scenes, drawing the viewer’s attention to the sitter’s thoughtful demeanor. Currently, the painting belongs to the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery of Art, Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas depicts a middle‑aged man with a dark beard and moustache, dressed in a somber jacket. His gaze is directed outward, his expression serious and introspective, suggesting an inner contemplation rather than a narrative moment. The muted backdrop serves to isolate the figure, emphasizing the psychological presence of the sitter.

Technique & Style

Hammershøi employs oil paint with a limited, muted colour scheme, using subtle tonal shifts to model the face and suggest volume. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, avoiding overt texture, which contributes to the painting’s calm, almost photographic quality. Light falls softly across the features, reinforcing the work’s quiet atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1904, the portrait entered the holdings of Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark’s principal state museum for visual arts. The acquisition reflects the institution’s commitment to preserving Hammershøi’s oeuvre, which remains central to the nation’s modern artistic heritage.