Reservesoldatens afsked med sin familie 1849

Frederik Vermehren created this scene of a soldier's farewell in oils, using careful brushwork to evoke the textures of a humble home. The materiality of everyday life is central here. Consider the fabrics: the woven headscarf of the mother, the coarse cloth of the soldier’s coat, and the homespun garments of the children. The artist pays close attention to the way light falls on these surfaces, revealing their particular character. Note the grandmother in the background, engaged in the essential labor of mending – a quiet testament to the resourcefulness required of this family. Vermeheren isn't just showing us a touching scene, he's also drawing attention to the hard work that underpins domestic life. From the preparation of food on the table to the stitching of clothes, the painting is a subtle commentary on the social fabric, and the essential contributions of those who often go unremarked. By focusing on the textures and tones of these materials, the artist elevates the ordinary to the level of art.