Frederikke von Scholten, née Arendrup, the Artist's Mother-in-Law 1898 - 1902

Christian Mourier-Petersen painted this oil on canvas portrait of his mother-in-law, Frederikke von Scholten, née Arendrup, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. This portrait provides an intimate glimpse into the world of bourgeois Danish society of the time. Von Scholten is depicted with a quiet dignity, her gaze steady, reflecting the conventions of portraiture that often emphasized the subject's social standing and character. Yet, Mourier-Petersen, through his connection to her, offers something more personal. The subtle rendering of her features, the soft color palette, creates a sense of warmth, hinting at the domestic sphere and familial relationships that defined much of women's lives at the time. The painting invites reflection on the roles and expectations placed upon women like von Scholten, while also acknowledging the personal bonds that transcend social norms. It's a reminder of the complex interplay between public identity and private experience.