Portret van Carel Lodewijk Hansen

About this artwork

penseel in grijs, potlood

Art Historical Context

This delicate portrait, titled *Portret van Carel Lodewijk Hansen*, was created by Lambertus Johannes Hansen using pencil and grey brushwork on modest scale of just 143 by 110 millimeters. The small size and intimate medium suggest it was likely intended as a personal study or keepsake rather than a formal commission. The combination of fine pencil lines with fluid grey washes allowed the artist to achieve subtle tonal gradations and a sense of depth, capturing the sitter’s features with both precision and softness. Sharing the same surname as his subject, Lambertus Johannes Hansen may have been portraying a family member, adding a layer of personal connection to the work. Created during the first half of the nineteenth century, such drawings reflect the period’s interest in accessible, everyday portraiture. The restrained use of monochrome tones emphasizes character over decoration, offering viewers a quiet glimpse into both the artist’s technical skill and the close relationships that often shaped artistic practice at the time.

About the Artist

Lambertus Johannes Hansen · 1803–1859

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