This gentle portrait by Danish artist Joel Ballin (1822-1885) depicts a boy in profile. It’s skilfully rendered and retains a sense of character.

Ballin was a particularly industrious artist who is best known as a prolific engraver. In 1871, when this portrait was produced, he was residing in London so perhaps the young lad is British.

Ballin became a member of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts six years later and was also a medal-winning exhibitor at the Paris Salon.

Signed, dated and held in a gilt frame.

Learn more about Joel Ballin in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 23” x 27” /58 cm x 69cm
Year of creation: 1871
Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. One minor patched repair. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £4,190 achieved for an oil painting in 1994.