Sophie Frederikke Boesen 1811 - 1879

This is Peter Gemzøe’s rendering of Sophie Frederikke Boesen. The lithograph’s meticulous crosshatching and stippling form a delicate interplay of light and shadow, lending a soft, almost ethereal quality to the portrait. The subject’s face is softly illuminated, drawing our attention to the subtle nuances of her expression, framed by the intricate lace of her bonnet. Gemzøe masterfully uses line and texture to delineate form, creating depth and volume. The formal structure of the image and attention to minute details, from the ruffles of her sleeves to the gentle folds in her fabric, create an intimate and absorbing study of character. Gemzøe’s formal approach to portraiture operates within a symbolic and cultural discourse. The semiotic system is used to understand and interpret the subject in relation to her social context. The gaze is always culturally mediated. This image then is not simply a representation but an artifact that engages with prevailing ideas of the time.