Portrait of the Naval Lieutenant D. Christen Schifter Feilberg 1832 - 1836

Christen Købke rendered this portrait of Naval Lieutenant D. Christen Schifter Feilberg with oil on canvas. Købke’s mastery lies not just in capturing Feilberg's likeness, but in the meticulous depiction of his uniform. Notice the textures – the smooth gleam of the golden epaulette, the crisp white gloves, the deep blue fabric, and the intricate detailing of the buttons. Each element speaks to the labor and skill involved in creating these status symbols. This portrait gives us insight into the social and economic structures of the time. Uniforms like Feilberg’s were not merely garments, but badges of honor, reflecting a complex interplay of industry, craftsmanship, and military power. Through his attention to materials and making, Købke invites us to consider the human labor embedded in every thread and brushstroke.