Sophie E. Zahrtmann 1743 - 1843

Wilhelm Heuer made this portrait of Sophie E. Zahrtmann, now at the SMK, using graphite. Notice how the composition is dominated by gentle curves and soft gradations of tone. The artist’s delicate touch with the graphite lends the portrait a dreamlike, almost ethereal quality. The figure of Sophie is framed by an atmospheric landscape, but it is her form that truly captivates. Heuer uses the medium to full effect, creating subtle plays of light and shadow across her dress. The folds of fabric, the soft curls of her hair, and the gentle contours of her face are rendered with meticulous detail. The composition is not just a representation but an exploration of form itself. The beauty of this portrait lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its formal construction. The interplay of line and tone elevates the subject, inviting a deeper reading of its structure. It reminds us that even in the most representational work, the underlying architecture of form is key to unlocking meaning.