Artwork

Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699)

Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699), by Unknown, unspecified, 1700
Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699), by Unknown, unspecified, 1700

Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699) is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken is a painting on cardboard depicting a close-up view of the Danish monarch.

About this work

Technique & Style

The small scale and material choice distinguish its formal qualities from larger oil-on-canvas counterparts of the period.

This anonymous portrait from 1700 is executed as a miniature on a cardboard support. The work, created in Germany, measures 2.5 cm in height and 2 cm in width. Classified as a painting within the portrait genre, the piece demonstrates the specific handling required for miniature formats on such a non-traditional, rigid substrate. The small scale and material choice distinguish its formal qualities from larger oil-on-canvas counterparts of the period.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken, depicting the Danish monarch who lived from 1646 to 1699, was created in the year 1700. This work is classified as a miniature painting executed on cardboard and is attributed to an anonymous artist. Although the specific commission details are not recorded in the available documentation, the piece was produced in Germany.

The artwork is currently held within the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, formerly known as the Nederlandsch Museum voor Geschiedenis en Kunst. The creation date of 1700 places the work shortly after the subject's death, suggesting it may have been produced as a posthumous commemorative piece rather than a life portrait.

Legacy

The painting, created in 1700 using cardboard as its support, was classified as a portrait and later recognized specifically as a miniature within the broader category of artwork. Its survival in the collection of the Rijksmuseum has ensured continued scholarly attention to this early example of Dutch portraiture on unconventional material. While the original attribution remains linked to the artist through archival records, the work's significance has evolved over time, prompting renewed analysis of its material experimentation and role in the development of miniature portraiture in Northern Europe.

The piece is part of the Rijksmuseum's holdings, where it is studied within the context of 17th- and 18th-century Dutch painting practices, particularly those involving non-traditional media.

Overview

The Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken is a painting on cardboard depicting a close-up view of the Danish monarch.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Christiaan V, King of Denmark from 1670 to 1699. The portrait focuses on his facial features, capturing his pale skin, bright blue eyes, and short, wavy hair.

Context

Christiaan V was a significant figure in Danish history, ruling from 1670 until his death in 1699. The portrait likely dates to his reign or shortly after.

Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699)
Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699), Benoît Arlaud

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699)?

Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699) was painted by Unknown in 1700.

Where can I see Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699)?

Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699) is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699)?

Portrait of Christiaan V van Denemarken (1646-1699) is associated with Rococo painting.