Oberst Joachim Theodor Lundbye, kunstnerens fader 1836

Curator: Alright, let's dive in. What grabs you first about Lundbye's portrait of his father? Editor: We are looking at Johan Thomas Lundbye’s 1836 painting, “Oberst Joachim Theodor Lundbye, kunstnerens fader” rendered in oil on canvas. It's a serious portrait...I almost feel a little intimidated. It's very…stately. What do you make of it? Curator: Stately, indeed. But behind that composed façade, don't you sense a profound personal connection? It is not just any officer he's painted but his father, a colonel. Think of the colours -- the solemnity of dark background and clothing, punctuated by the golden epaulette... almost shimmering like a memory. Do you think that's significant? Editor: Absolutely. It adds such warmth to an otherwise cool portrait. But also I guess the details of his uniform point to how he saw his father too? Curator: Precisely! Lundbye isn't simply capturing likeness; he is communicating admiration, respect and love. There's this gentle quality in the brushwork that softens the subject just enough. Almost like remembering a stern lecture from childhood - serious but tinged with fondness. Can you see that interplay? Editor: Yes! The more I look, the more I see that affection peeking through. I had only picked up the military aspect, at first glance. Now that you’ve helped me unlock the emotion behind it, it all seems so clear. Curator: Art has that delightful ability to keep revealing layers to us! Thanks for pointing out its initially intimidating aura. It is something I would never have noticed, because for me it is deeply emotional.