Marie Krogh 1799 - 1868

Emil Ditlev Bærentzen rendered this portrait of Marie Krogh using graphite. Notice how Bærentzen employed subtle gradations to capture the likeness of his sitter, achieving a remarkable sense of volume and depth. The composition is carefully structured, with the subject positioned slightly off-center, drawing our eye towards her face. Her gaze is directed slightly to the left, creating a sense of openness and engagement. The detailed rendering of fabric folds is particularly striking. Consider how these patterns interact with the figure’s contours to both reveal and conceal the subject’s form. Bærentzen’s emphasis on surface texture and the play of light is not merely decorative but integral to the portrait's expressive power. These formal qualities function as signs that invite us to consider broader cultural and philosophical discourses related to representation.