Who painted An Old Sailor Seated on a Canon?

An Old Sailor Seated on a Canon was painted by Martinus Rørbye in 1826.

Where can I see An Old Sailor Seated on a Canon?

An Old Sailor Seated on a Canon is held by Nationalmuseum.

Artwork

An Old Sailor Seated on a Canon

An Old Sailor Seated on a Canon is an oil painting by Martinus Rørbye. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1826 by Martinus Rørbye, a prominent painter of Denmark’s Golden Age, this oil work portrays an elderly seaman seated upon a cannon with the hull of a ship looming behind him. The composition captures a moment of everyday life in Copenhagen, reflecting Rørbye’s interest in local character and genre scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is an aged sailor dressed in dark clothing, his top hat held loosely in his hand. His stern expression and the surrounding maritime tools emphasize a life tied to the sea, while the cannon and ship hull suggest the intertwined worlds of naval warfare and commerce that defined the city’s waterfront.

Technique & Style

Rørbye employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the sailor’s features and to give depth to the surrounding objects. The oil medium allows for subtle gradations in tone, rendering the textures of the metal cannon, the fabric of the sailor’s attire, and the distant wooden hull with clarity.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the painting has entered the collection of Sweden’s Nationalmuseum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader interest in 19th‑century Scandinavian art and the cross‑national appreciation of Rørbye’s work during the period.

Portrait of Jacob Hobein, Rescued the Dutch Flag under Enemy Fire, 18 March 1831, Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Martinus Rørbye

Martinus Christian Wesseltoft Rørbye (Danish:; 17 May 1803 – 29 August 1848) was a Danish painter, known both for genre works and landscapes.

Museum

Nationalmuseum

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