Who painted Portrait of the Denner Family?

Portrait of the Denner Family was painted by Balthasar Denner in 1745.

Where can I see Portrait of the Denner Family?

Portrait of the Denner Family is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Portrait of the Denner Family?

Portrait of the Denner Family is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Portrait of the Denner Family

Balthasar Denner , 1745

Portrait of the Denner Family is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Balthasar Denner. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Created in 1745, this oil painting presents a five‑person family group rendered in a realistic manner.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1745, this oil painting presents a five‑person family group rendered in a realistic manner. Each figure faces the viewer, set against a dark brown interior backdrop. The work is part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin’s collection and exemplifies the detailed portraiture for which Balthasar Denner was renowned.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features a woman in a yellow dress, a man with a violin, a second woman in brown, a third woman in white, and a final man in brown, all with notably white hair. The direct gazes suggest a formal presentation of familial status and identity, typical of 18th‑century German portrait commissions.

Technique & Style

Denner applied his characteristic precision to the facial features, capturing subtle hair stubble and delicate expressions. While he focused on the heads, the clothing and surrounding details were completed with assistance, possibly by his daughter or workshop collaborators, reflecting a collaborative Rococo approach to interior settings.

History & Provenance

The painting has remained in German collections since its creation, eventually entering the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Its attribution to Denner is supported by his signature handling of facial minutiae, a hallmark of his oeuvre.