Almar Bech - Portrait of a Young Woman in Hat, 1905
Prix régulier 33 534 krAlmar Bech (1876–1950) Denmark
Portrait of a Young Woman in Hat, 1905
charcoal, white gouache and pastel on toned paper
signed and dated 1905
framed: 47 × 41 cm (18.5 × 16.1 in)
Essay:
This early portrait by Almar Bech showcases the artist’s mastery of charcoal and gouache on paper. The artist uses charcoal to establish strong outlines and soft shading, lending the image depth and contrast. Opaque touches of gouache highlight the sitter’s features and attire, bringing subtle hints of color and light. The interplay of rich dark tones and bright white highlights creates a dynamic visual depth that is characteristic of Bech’s realistic style. Overall, the technique combines academic draftsmanship with a gentle, impressionistic sensitivity to light and shadow.
The drawing depicts a bust-length portrait of a young sitter wearing a broad-brimmed hat, rendered in a nearly frontal pose. The subject’s expression is calm and introspective, with the eyes gazing softly outward. Bech carefully models the facial features with delicate tonal gradations, capturing the individuality and quiet presence of the sitter. The figure’s attire includes a high-collared garment with a hint of color at the neckline, adding visual interest to the otherwise monochromatic scheme. The background is left plain, focusing attention on the subject’s face and the gentle play of light across their features.
The Artist
Almar Bech (1876–1950) was a Danish-born artist who became active in Sweden. He received formal training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen in the 1890s, then honed his skills in European art centers like Dresden, Switzerland, and Munich. By 1905, Bech had absorbed the influences of academic realism as well as the emerging modern trends of his era. This portrait drawing reflects that blend of traditions: it maintains a foundation in classical realist portraiture while also displaying a subtle, modern sensitivity in its soft execution.
In 1912, Bech relocated to Sweden, where he gained citizenship in 1916 and established his artistic career. He became known not only for portraiture but also for still lifes, city street scenes, and vibrant landscapes from various parts of Sweden. Bech exhibited in Stockholm and earned recognition for his work. Today, his paintings are represented in institutions such as Sweden’s Nationalmuseum and other regional art museums. Created just a few years after his academic studies, this 1905 portrait exemplifies the refined technique and keen observation that would continue to define Bech’s art in the ensuing decades.
Provenance:
A Swedish private collection
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