(Berlin 1717–1797 Neustrelitz)
Portrait of a young woman with a fan, possibly Duchess Christiana of Mecklenburg Strelitz (1735–1794),
oil on canvas, 82 x 63 cm, framed

We are very grateful to Helmut Börsch-Supan for endorsing the attribution of the present painting, which is accompanied by his written analysis.

The present painting in its almost statuesque and noble sophistication can be considered one of the best works by Daniel Woge, a pupil of Antoine Pesne. The artist excels at depicting a remarkably realistic likeness, as well as painting jewellery, the delicate lace and the elaborate embroidered silk dress. His oeuvre has only recently been subject of scholarly discussion, probably owing to the fact that he spent the majority of his artistic life, from 1752 to 1797 in the relatively provincial Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, which had gained independence in 1701.

This is all the more remarkable, as his artistic output reveals a very gifted and able portraitist. Little is known about Woge’s early training before being apprenticed to Pesne, nor of his subsequent training. But it can be assumed that, apart from Pesne, he was also influenced by other French artists and must have travelled to other courts.

Interestingly, the present painting combines stylistic influences from Northern artists like Balthasar Denner and Vigilius Eriksen with the elegance of French Roccoco portraiture, to which he had been exposed through his master Pesne.

Given that Woge worked almost exclusively for the Mecklenburg courts of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and Mecklenburg-Schwerin, it would be plausible to assume that the sitter is a member of the ruling houses or the two courts, though she has, so far, eluded a convincing identification.