Portræt af Maria Magdalene Becker 1689 - 1789

Jens Juel created this portrait of Maria Magdalene Becker using pastels, a medium with its own unique qualities. Unlike oils, which can be blended seamlessly, pastels require a more layered, almost granular application. Look closely and you will see the marks left by each stroke, giving the image a soft, atmospheric quality. The delicate touch demanded by pastels lends itself well to portraiture, allowing for subtle gradations of tone and texture. Pastels consist of pure pigment bound with just enough medium to hold them together, resulting in colors of remarkable intensity and vibrancy. The artist carefully selected a palette of muted hues, allowing the skin tones to glow. This choice may reflect the values of the time, where understated elegance was favored over ostentatious display. By understanding the materials and processes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's skill and the social context in which the work was created.