Who painted A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself (?)?

A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself (?) was painted by David Jacobsen in 1865.

Where can I see A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself (?)?

A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself (?) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself (?)?

A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself (?) is associated with Realism.

Artwork

A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself (?)

David Jacobsen , 1865

A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself (?) is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist David Jacobsen. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This focus on the artist's own image establishes the work's meaning as an exploration of artistic identity and the role of the painter within his workspace.

The work depicts the artist David Jacobsen within the setting of a studio, functioning as a self-portrait. As the primary subject, Jacobsen is shown in the act of painting, positioning the artist himself as the central figure of the composition. The piece serves as a direct representation of the creator, capturing his likeness and professional environment.

This focus on the artist's own image establishes the work's meaning as an exploration of artistic identity and the role of the painter within his workspace.

History & Provenance

The work is dated to 1865, aligning with the single known painting of this title by David Jacobsen.

It entered the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen, where it remains held. The museum’s records classify the piece as a self-portrait of the artist, matching the depiction and dimensions recorded in its holdings (30.0 cm × 24.7 cm).

Overview

David Jacobsen’s 1865 oil painting, titled A Painter in his Studio. The Artist Himself?, presents a self‑portrait of the artist at work. The canvas is part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it is displayed among other 19th‑century Danish works.

Technique & Style

Jacobsen employs a restrained palette and strong chiaroscuro, with a single light source entering from the left. The illumination highlights the half‑lit face, casting deep shadows under the beard and forehead, while the opposite side recedes into darkness, emphasizing volume and the tactile quality of the studio’s objects.

Context

The painting belongs to a period when Danish artists increasingly explored realism and the personal conditions of artistic production. By depicting himself amid the clutter of his workspace, Jacobsen aligns with contemporary interests in portraying the artist’s identity beyond idealized portraiture.