Studie til det Holmskioldske familiebillede fra 1787: den polstrede sofa, og til venstre en stol med Holmskiolds figur skitseret 1785 - 1788

Jens Juel created this study for the Holmskiold family portrait in 1787 using graphite. We see a sketch of an upholstered sofa and, to the left, a chair with Holmskiold's figure outlined. This drawing offers a glimpse into the world of the late 18th century Danish elite. Notice the opulence implied by the furniture. The padded sofa and elegant chair are visual cues that speak volumes about social class. Juel was Denmark's leading portrait painter, and this work provides insight into the institutional practices of art production at the time. The family portrait was a way for the Holmskiolds to perform their status, and Juel, as the artist, was complicit in this social ritual. The image is self-consciously conservative, reinforcing existing social norms. To fully understand this drawing, we need to consider its historical and institutional context. Researching the Holmskiold family, Juel's career, and the conventions of portraiture in 18th century Denmark can deepen our appreciation for this work. Art, you see, is always contingent on its social and institutional setting.