This mid-19th-century oil painting by Danish artist Just Holm (1815-1907) depicts a young girl wearing a black headscarf and luxurious black cloak. It’s a mystifying portrayal.
Staring intently through the mists of time, this young lady carries an enigmatic expression. Left hand holding her cloak, index finger pointing towards her heart. There’s melodrama, an intriguing narrative.
Her dark attire is particularly unusual - children weren’t expected to wear black in mourning and it’s quite a statement. It’s plausible that the luxurious cloak is worn to emphasise the family’s wealth and, indeed, Princess Charlotte of Belgium donned a similar outfit for Franz Xaver Winterhalter.
Given the illusive symbolism, it seems appropriate that Just Holm produced this piece as he’s known for holding a senior role in the Freemasons.
Signed and held within a gilded 19th-century Rococo-revival frame by Peder Christian Damborg, the Danish court gilder. Probably original.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 27½” / 63cm x 70cm
Year of creation: 1857
Labels & Inscriptions: Artist’s name plaque. P.C. Damborg label on reverse.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Canvas relined. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Restorations. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £4,778
Trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and exhibited regularly at Charlottenburg Palace.
Learn more about Just Holm 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 often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
