Young Clergyman Reading
Martinus Rørbye·1836
Historical Context
Martinus Rørbye was a leading painter of the Danish Golden Age who studied under Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg at the Royal Danish Academy. This 1836 portrait of a young clergyman reading exemplifies the intimate, contemplative character studies that were a hallmark of Danish painting in this period. Rørbye traveled extensively in Italy, Greece, and Turkey, but also excelled at quiet domestic scenes.
Technical Analysis
The oil on canvas demonstrates the clear, precise light and careful naturalism typical of Danish Golden Age painting. Warm tones illuminate the reader's absorbed expression while the restrained palette creates a meditative atmosphere.
Provenance
Presumably by descent to Athalia Rørbye (died 1919), daughter of the artist, by 1905 [lent by A. Rørbye to Copenhagen 1905 where it was described as “1836. Abbaten. ‘Subiaco 1836. M.R.’ 39x27”]. Anonymous art dealer, by 2002 [according to an email from Birte Stockholm, Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers, to Margaret Crosland dated August 5, 2014, copy in curatorial object file]; sold Bruun Rasmusseun Auctioneers, Copenhagen, December 2, 2002, no. 1153, as Den laesende abate [price according to the email cited above]; offered for sale, Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers, Copenhagen, November 28, 2007, lot 61, as Den laesende abate, bought in [according to an email from Birte Stokholm, Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers, to Margaret Crosland dated August 4, 2014, copy in curatorial object file]; sold Bruun Rasmussen International, Copenhagen, November 28, 2011, no. 17, as Den laesende Abate (Young clergyman reading) to Galerie Michel Descours [buyer according to an email from Mehdi Korchane, Galerie Michel Descours, to Margaret Crosland dated September 3, 2014, copy in curatorial file; the email from Birte Stokholm dated August 4, 2014 cited above indicates the picture was consigned by the same owner in 2007 and 2011]; purchased by the Art Institute, 2013.
.jpg&width=600)