Kontorchef H.E. Moe’s to børn 1760 - 1802

Jens Juel, a Danish painter, likely made this pastel portrait of H.E. Moe’s two children in the late 18th century. Pastel portraits like this one occupied a distinct social space, meeting a rising demand among the middle class for accessible, affordable art. While aristocrats commissioned large oil paintings, this delicate medium allowed merchants, like the children’s father, to participate in the culture of portraiture. Note the children’s fashionable ruffled collars and neatly tailored jackets; these details signal the family’s aspirations. The soft colours and oval format also contribute to the portrait's intimate feel. To understand this work more fully, we can delve into Danish social history, researching the economic shifts that empowered the middle class and the artistic institutions that shaped Juel’s career. By doing so, we discover that this charming image reflects broader changes in Danish society and culture.