This early 19th-century oil painting by Danish artist Julius Friedländer (1810-1861) depicts his mother, Rebecca Friedländer (1777-1858).
Friedländer was predominantly a genre painter but also produced portraits of the rising middle classes. Typically, it’s portraiture that pays the bills so, as such, there’s an emphasis on delighting each sitter with an exquisite result. However, here in around 1830, he was unbound, free to paint without fear of rejection. And it’s probably for this reason that we get such an honest and sensitive portrayal. Note the details in the rendering of the eyes - a deft flick of light reflecting from each iris. And contrast this with the loose handling of the dress and bonnet - almost impressionistic in its brevity.
Rebecca Friedländer (born Heymann) was in her 50s when this was painted. Her husband, Marcus Salomon Friedländer (1777-1826), was of Jewish descent and the pair had at least six children.
Inscribed on the reverse and framed.
Medium: Oil on canvas laid on wood
Overall size: 10” x 11” / 25cm x 28cm
Year of creation: c. 1830
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £25,000
Our reference: BRV1727
Julius Friedlænder was an accomplished Danish painter of genre scenes, portraits and figures. His oeuvre is traditional in style and based on his academic teachings. There’s an underlying Italian influence, probably bolstered by his tutor, Johan Ludwig Lund (1777-1867), who lived awhile in Italy while studying the old masters. Friedlænder also trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. His works are held in numerous public collections.
Learn more about Julius Friedländer in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
