Artwork
Portrait of the Danish King Christian II
Portrait of the Danish King Christian II is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Michael Sittow. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1514, this oil painting presents Christian II, king of Denmark, in a formal pose that emphasizes his authority.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a genre portrait, the piece serves primarily to document the physical appearance and status of the ruler during his reign.
The work depicts Christian II of Denmark as its sole subject, functioning as a formal royal portrait. Created by Michael Sittow in 1514, the painting utilizes oil on panel to capture the likeness of the Danish monarch. The iconography is straightforward, focusing entirely on the representation of the king without additional allegorical figures or complex symbolic attributes described in available records.
As a genre portrait, the piece serves primarily to document the physical appearance and status of the ruler during his reign.
Technique & Style
The work is an oil painting executed on panel, measuring 31 cm in height and 22 cm in width. It portrays Christian II of Denmark and was created by Michael Sittow in 1514. The painting’s formal qualities reflect the early Northern Renaissance emphasis on precise detail and rich coloration, while its handling demonstrates the characteristic smooth finish typical of Sittow’s courtly portraiture.
History & Provenance
The portrait of the Danish King Christian II was painted by Michael Sittow in 1514, executed in oil paint. According to Wikidata records, the work's inception is recorded as 1514, with an alternative date of 1515 also noted, suggesting a possible range for its creation. The painting has been held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains located. No further details about its commission, intermediate ownership, or acquisition history are documented in the available sources.
Overview
Created in 1514, this oil painting presents Christian II, king of Denmark, in a formal pose that emphasizes his authority. The figure looks straight ahead with a composed, solemn expression, his hand resting on a table while holding a small gold object. The work exemplifies the Northern Renaissance approach to court portraiture, balancing realistic detail with a dignified presentation.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Michael Sittow (c. 1469 – 1525), also known as Master Michiel, Michel Sittow, Michiel, Miguel Sithium, and several other variants, was a painter from Reval (Tallinn), now capital of Estonia, who was trained in the…
Johann Wilhelm, Duke of Saxe-Weimar, son of Johann Friedrich I., died 1573
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