Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
So, with this in mind, we can assume that when this was painted her surname was Ahlefeldt.
The surname Ahlefeldt has its origins in German and Danish nobility with the earliest known ancestor being Benedict von Ahlefeldt. During the 14th-century, Benedict’s sons served King Atterdag Valdemar IV of Denmark, so there are ancient links with Danish royalty.
We acquired the painting from Denmark but on the reverse, the inscriptions are written in German. It would appear that Käthe Ahlefeldt became Käthe Holm at some point - so perhaps this portrait helped to attract the right suitor.
There’s also a reference to an artist with the name ‘Lind’ but we’ve been unable to discover exactly who painted it.
The portrait is housed within a simple giltwood frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size including frame: 12½” x 16” / 32cm x 40cm
Year of creation: c. 1860
Provenance: Denmark
Condition: Very good with light craquelure throughout. Canvas relined. Frame with age-related wear.
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brave Fine Art Profile Page
19th-century Portrait of Kathe Holm Nee Ahlefeldt
