C. A. Jensen (b. Bredsted near Husum 1792, d. Copenhagen 1870)
Portrait of Oline Cecilie Bruun née Plum (1797–1875) married 1820 to merchant in Assens Søren Wegege Bruun (d. 1826) sitting in a low-cut black dress with white fabric over her shoulders. On both arms a yellow, patterned French shawl. On the head a white cap with wide silk ribbons. Black hair separated in the middle. C. 1840–1842. Unsigned. Oil on canvas. 78×63. Period frame.
Sigurd Schultz, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Works of C. A. Jensen no. 363.
Literature: Gerhard L. Grove: “Slægten Plum”, Copenhagen 1903 mentioned and reproduced p. 74. Sigurd Schultz, “C. A. Jensen”, 1932 mentioned pp. 330–331, p. 390, reproduced p. 359.
Schultz calls it a magnificent portrait and also writes: “Mrs Bruun's face was of a type which is not easy to reproduce when one wants to capture what’s characteristic about it because firmness and gentleness are side by side. In the slightly dead surfaces of the face and the angular features, which run a little sharply, but manifest themselves in a tenacious willpower, the playful eyes shine with life and energy, and oddly contradict the timid kindness of the narrow lips ...... ”. (p. 330).
Oline Bruun was a talented businesswoman, a little unheard of for her time. She actively participated in the work in her husband Søren Bruun's merchant store, which was a large and reputable business that purchased grain and exported it on his own ships, especially to England. After her husband's and later her mother's death, Oline Bruun moved in with her father at the bishop's house in Odense. The family described her as an unusual and energetic woman with a strong sense of national pride. She spent her fortune on her daughters and on charity.
Provenance: In the Plum family to this day.
Please note: The item is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. In the event of a hammer price of DKK 50,000 or more, including buyer’s premium, the buyer must submit a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of address in order to collect the item.
Paintings and drawings, 21 September 2021