Standardization of Weights and Measures in 1683

1784

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Dominant colour

Standardization of Weights and Measures in 1683 is a 1784 by Unknown, a Romanticism work, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1784 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This relief shows a seated woman in a crown holding a measuring tool, like a ruler or scale. Two men kneel beside her: one carves or checks a block of wood, the other holds a large barrel. The scene looks like a workshop with tools scattered on a table—hammers, chisels, and a small bucket. The figures are stiff and formal, with smooth, light-colored surfaces that stand out against a dark background. The woman’s crown and measuring tools suggest she’s in charge of making sure weights and sizes are the same everywhere. This kind of scene was meant to show order and fairness in trade or government. Look up chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and shadow to create depth.