Just Holm, Girl with the Hooded Cloak - Antique Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

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

Just Holm Just Holm

Trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and exhibited regularly at Charlottenburg Palace.

Learn more about Just Holm in our directory.

Physical Dimensions

Height

70cm (27.56")

Width

63cm (24.80")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA967435

Description

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.

Brave Fine Art

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.