Thomasine Ludvigne Vermehren, f. Grüner, kunstnerens hustru 1838 - 1910

This is Frederik Vermehren’s intimate portrait of his wife, Thomasine Ludvigne Vermehren. Painted in the 19th century, a period defined by strict gender roles, the artwork offers a glimpse into the personal life of an artist deeply embedded in the cultural norms of his time. Thomasine’s direct gaze, combined with the subtle details of her clothing, invites reflection on her identity as both an individual and as the artist’s muse and partner. The plain dress and simple hairstyle contrast with the delicate lace collar, hinting at the nuanced status of middle-class women during this era. Vermehren balances the public expectations of women with her personal identity. The painting serves as a document of a marriage, while encouraging us to consider the complex dynamics between artist and subject, husband and wife, representation and reality.