Herreportræt 1685 - 1749

Balthasar Denner created this pastel portrait of a gentleman, sometime in the early 18th century. Denner was celebrated for his meticulous technique, particularly his ability to capture the minute details of the skin. Looking closely, one can see the soft texture of the pastel medium, which allows for subtle gradations of color and tone. These aren't traditional materials - pastels are essentially pure pigment, bound together with just enough medium to hold their form. The choice of pastel is significant here. Unlike oil paint, which requires extensive layering and blending, pastel allows for a more immediate and direct application of color. The medium aligned with the period's growing demand for immediacy and naturalism in portraiture, catering to a burgeoning middle class eager to emulate the aristocratic style. Denner’s Herreportræt highlights the importance of materials and making in understanding art, blurring the lines between the meticulous craft of portraiture and the aesthetic aspirations of fine art.