Jens Juel and workshop, ca. 1790: Portrait of Jacob August Maribo (1783–1858) as a child. Unsigned. Oil on canvas. 100×77

Portrait of Jacob August Maribo (1783–1858) as a child standing at a table with a mechanical drummer. On the floor a drum. Maribo changed his last name to “Stenfeldt” c. 1819, because of the Jewish feud (Jødefejden). Oil on canvas. 100×77 cm. Period frame.

J. A. Stenfeldt was mayor, legal writer and politician. He took his legal degree in 1803, then became a prosecutor in military matters with service in Copenhagen, Kiel and Helsingør. In 1809 he published (in Danish) “Handbook of the Military Law Authority”. In 1813 appointed judge and chief constable in Helsingør. Later mayor and auction director in the same place, which he held until 1848. He was a popular mayor who worked for Helsingør to prosper again after the losses during the war against England.

Provenance: The family of the portrayed until today.

Condition Report:
Retouches. Numerous fine crackles. Marks from the stretcher visible on the front. Some peelings, mostly under the frame edge.