Dorothea Engelbrechtsdatter 1855 - 1935

Carl Poulsen created this portrait of Dorothea Engelbrechtsdatter, though its exact date remains unknown. The image, held at the Statens Museum for Kunst, presents us with more than just a likeness; it's a snapshot of cultural attitudes towards women in the arts. Looking at the portrait, one immediately notices the book in her hands and the framing text. Considering that Dorothea was the first professional female author in Norway, that book is very important. The portrait was probably made for or after the 1700s, the verses framing the image suggest humility and piety, traits then considered desirable in women, especially those in the public eye. This was a time when women's intellectual contributions were often viewed with skepticism, so the emphasis on modesty could be read as a strategy for navigating social expectations. Understanding this image requires us to delve into the social history of women and the history of print media. By examining literary history and social norms, we can gain a richer understanding of the institutional contexts that shaped both the creation and reception of this portrait.