This fine mid-19th-century oil painting by Danish artist David Monies (1812-1894) depicts Just Henrik Voltelen Paulli (1809-1865) wearing silk robes and a white ruff. Monies was a distinguished portraitist who became a member and professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. He also produced an array of whimsically-spirited genre scenes.Monies spent much of his childhood in poverty after his father’s cigar factory was impacted by the effects of war. It was owing to his innate artistic ability that he gained admission to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts at the age of 12. The Academy noted his talent as being of ‘unusual facilities.’ Indeed, alongside his studies, he was also encouraged by the artist J.L. Lund (1777-1867) to pursue an art career and exhibit his work. Quickly building a list of notable patrons, he was able to finance a trip to Munich, while also winning a scholarship to fund further travels.Portraiture as an artistic career was a profitable venture in D...