Portrait of a Woman by Christian Emil Rosenstand

Portrait of a Woman 19th-20th century

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drawing, watercolor

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portrait

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drawing

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impressionism

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oil painting

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watercolor

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naive art

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portrait drawing

Dimensions: 10 3/16 x 8 5/16 in. (25.88 x 21.11 cm) (sight)17 1/2 x 13 3/8 in. (44.45 x 33.97 cm) (outer frame)

Copyright: Public Domain

Christian Emil Rosenstand created "Portrait of a Woman" using watercolor on paper. Rosenstand, living from 1859 to 1932, navigated a world undergoing rapid social change, particularly concerning gender roles and class structures. In this piece, the woman's attire is particularly striking. Her dark, formal clothing and unique headwear speak to a specific cultural or regional identity, possibly indicating her social standing or affiliations within a community. There's an emotional depth captured in her profile - a quiet strength, perhaps, or a thoughtful introspection. The choice of watercolor lends a softness to the portrayal. Rosenstand captures not just an image, but a sense of personhood. The work reflects broader societal considerations about representation, inviting us to consider the untold stories and individual experiences woven into the fabric of society. It offers a nuanced view of identity during a transformative era, touching on themes of cultural heritage, personal identity, and the quiet dignity of everyday life.

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minneapolisinstituteofart's Profile Picture
minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

Emil Rosenstand’s skills were many and varied. He apprenticed as a wood carver, then did stucco work during reconstruction of the burned-out Frederiksborg Castle in eastern Denmark. Meanwhile, he intermittently studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. After extensive travel throughout southern Europe, he settled in Germany. Though Rosenstand attempted a painting career, he found his true niche as a magazine and book illustrator. His main subject was middle-class urban life—think men in top hats and ladies in silk. His greater contributions to art, however, were his intimate portraits and figure studies, such as this watercolor.

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