Open full image Pin

Luutnantti Malmborg

Johan Carl Frederik Viertel

unspecified

From the collection of Finnish National Gallery

Portrait

Dominant colour

Luutnantti Malmborg is an unspecified by Johan Carl Frederik Viertel, held at Finnish National Gallery.

Who painted this?: Johan Carl Frederik Viertel
Where can I see it?: Finnish National Gallery

About this work

This is a small, round portrait of a man in a gold frame. He’s wearing a dark blue coat with red trim and gold buttons, a white collar, and a serious but friendly expression. The background is plain and dark, so the face stands out clearly. The painting looks like it was made to be carried or worn, maybe as a keepsake. The gold frame has a detailed edge, which makes the whole thing look fancy and important. If you like this style, look up chiaroscuro next—it’s the technique of using strong light and shadow to give depth.

About the artist

Artist

Johan Carl Frederik Viertel

Johan Carl Frederik Viertel spent his days painting the people who ran Sweden’s ports and courts—no kings or generals, just the officials who kept things running.

See the richer artist page