This early 20th-century portrait by eminent Danish artist Peter (Peder Mork) Mønsted (1859-1941) depicts local dignitary Aage Jørgensen (1879-1960).

It’s an informal portrayal that suggests an established friendship.

Jørgensen was a highly-respected figure within his local community and held various positions within both private and public sectors. In 1928, when Mønsted produced this portrait, he was on the board of the Gentofte Municipality Conservative Voters’ Association. Gentofte is a district of Copenhagen. To contextualise the piece, it’s interesting to consider how the pair knew each other. Mønsted is known as one of Denmark’s greatest landscape painters and his depictions of rural Denmark are near-photographic in execution. His academic approach to painting was probably underpinned by a set of traditional beliefs and a sense of national pride. One can imagine that the pair would’ve met on several occasions at the conservative club.

With this in mind, consider how Mønsted has approached this portrait. There’s a smoky atmosphere and Jørgensen fills the frame. He could be sat across a table, cigar in hand, still debating current affairs while the portrait was underway. Mønsted has inscribed it ‘kindly from P Monsted’ - was it a gift? Jørgensen would later become the mayor of Gentofte.

Peter Mønsted trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts where he later became a member. He also studied under Peder Severin Kroyer and in Paris with William Adolphe Bouguereau. His works were in high demand during his lifetime and frequently shown at Charlottenborg, along with the salons of Paris and Munich. Although predominantly known for landscape painting, he was also regarded as an accomplished portrait painter with sitters including the Greek royal family.

Signed/dated/inscribed lower right and held within an early 20th-century gilt scotia frame with inner astragal and double bead ornament.

Learn more about Peter Mønsted in our directory.

Medium: Oil on board
Overall size: 16½” x 20½” / 42cm x 52cm
Year of creation: 1928
Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £187,666
Our reference: BRV1101