Sunday 25 March 2012

Wilhelm Marstrand and Portrait of Johanne Luise Heiberg

'Portrait of Johanne Luise Heiberg' (1858-9) by Wilhelm Marstrand;
The Museum of National History, Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød

Another Danish painter that I had never heard of. Wilhelm Marstrand, born on 24 December 1810 and died on 25 March 1873, is apparently one of the most renowned artists of the Golden Age of Danish Painting. He was a painter and illustrator who traveled throughout Europe and lived in Italy. He painted depictions of everyday Italian life with a romantic and idealised view. He continued to travel abroad in search of inspiration. His stay in Venice in 1853-4 became important because he started to understand the handling of colours better by studying the Venetian masters. He turned to religious and historical themes. The painting shown here is a portrait of the famous Danish actress Johanne Luise Heiberg, one of his best paintings and painted after his stay in Venice. I wonder if the big splash of green colour has anything to do with his improved understanding of the handling of colours. Love the green!

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