Portrait of the Artist´s Cousin, Petrea Petersen 1844 - 1848

Here is a portrait of Christen Købke's cousin, Petrea Petersen, made with oil on canvas. Købke was a central figure of the Danish Golden Age, a period marked by burgeoning national identity and artistic innovation in the early 19th century. This painting offers a glimpse into the gendered expectations of the time. Petrea, adorned in a modest green dress, embodies the era’s ideal of feminine virtue and domesticity. Her composed demeanor reflects the restrained emotional expression valued in women of the period. Yet, the artist's intimate portrayal also hints at a quiet strength, challenging the purely passive representation of women. Købke’s attention to detail and light, combined with his personal connection to the sitter, creates a tender, humanizing portrait. The painting captures a moment of stillness, inviting us to consider the complexities of Petrea's identity within the confines of 19th-century Danish society.