Daniel Georg Nyblin (Norway, 1826 - 1910)
Henrik Ibsen, 1898
Albumen print, 13.8 x 9.5 cm (5 7/16 x 3 3/4 in.)
This monochrome sepia albumen print depicts the famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen, whose head and torso are visible in a seated position. He has bushy gray hair and mutton-chop sideburns. He has small eyes, a large nose and looks outward toward the viewer with a stern expression on his face. He wears rimless glasses and is dressed in a dark double-breasted lapeled jacket and a light-colored shirt and tie. Printed on the lower left is "Nyblin". Printed in the center is: "Eneret 1894". Printed to the right is: "Kristiania".
Long Gallery
Commentary
After the opening of her museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner’s friends frequently presented her with photographs of authors, artists, and other luminaries for display in the archival cases. Norwegian diplomat Fredrik Herman Gade sent her this autographed portrait of the famous playwright because he “thought it might interest you...[my] country recognizes his valuable services as a reformer whose writings have caused far reaching changes...especially in the alterations of woman’s—most particularly wife’s—position in society.”