Studie til det holmskioldske familiebillede fra 1787 1785 - 1788

This is a study for the Holmskiold Family Portrait, made in 1787 by the Danish artist Jens Juel. It's a delicate pencil sketch showing just the legs and feet of one of the figures. In the late 18th century, family portraits were more than just likenesses; they were carefully constructed statements about social standing. The Holmskiolds were an aristocratic family and would be very attuned to the politics of imagery. Juel was the leading portraitist of the day, working for the Danish royal family. This preparatory sketch gives us a glimpse into the artist's process as well as the hierarchies of representation. Who was this figure in the family, and what was his role? The posture, clothing, and placement within the larger group would all contribute to the narrative of power and status. Art historians often consult family records, fashion archives, and social histories to fully understand the dynamics captured in such portraits. The meaning of art always depends on its social and institutional context.