Who painted The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann?

The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann was painted by Vilhelm Hammershøi in 1895.

Where can I see The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann?

The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann?

The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann?

Museum-quality prints of The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann

Vilhelm Hammershøi , 1895

The Painter Kristian Zahrtmann is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Vilhelm Hammershøi. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Vilhelm Hammershøi’s oil portrait of fellow Danish artist Kristian Zahrtmann was completed in 1895. Executed in a restrained palette of greys, beiges and deep blacks, the work presents Zahrtmann from the chest upward, his head turned slightly to the right. The painting resides in the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Kristian Zahrtmann, was a prominent painter of the late 19th‑century Danish scene, known for his vibrant colour and historical subjects. Hammershøi’s portrayal, however, emphasizes a sober, introspective mood, highlighting Zahrtmann’s serious expression and thin mustache, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation rather than a flamboyant self‑presentation.

Technique & Style

Rendered with the muted tonalities characteristic of Hammershøi’s interior work, the portrait employs subtle chiaroscuro: a soft highlight on the cheekbone contrasts with a shadow beneath the chin, giving the face a three‑dimensional presence. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, aligning the piece with the understated aesthetic of late‑19th‑century Danish Impressionism.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the painting has remained in Denmark, eventually entering the holdings of the national gallery, Statens Museum for Kunst. Its presence there reflects the museum’s commitment to documenting the interconnected lives of Denmark’s key artists from the period.