Portræt af fru Bella Philipsen, f. Natanson 1905

Viggo Johansen painted this portrait of Mrs. Bella Philipsen, née Natanson, using oil on canvas, with dimensions of 97 by 81 centimeters. The composition is structured around the sitter’s calm, seated pose, creating a sense of stability and stillness. Notice how the artist employs a muted palette. This monochromatic scheme is punctuated by subtle gradations of light and shadow, adding depth and volume to the figure. The textured brushwork contributes to the painting’s atmospheric quality. This technique is reminiscent of Impressionist painters, who were interested in capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere. Here, Johansen emphasizes the material presence of paint itself, drawing attention to the act of painting. What might these formal elements suggest about the sitter's character? How do they shape our understanding of her social position and individual identity within the broader cultural context of the time? Through formal qualities the painting functions as a discourse on representation.