Wilhelm Marstrand. 'En Friers Moder taler sin Søns Sag' (A suitors mother pleads her son's case)

Wilhelm Marstrand (1810-1873). ’En Friers Moder taler sin Søns Sag’. (A suitors mother pleads her son's case) Oil on canvas mounted on canvas. Signed and dated: W.M. 1845. 21.5 x 26 (29,5 x 34) cm.

The above painting is a characteristic example of the particular, anecdotally-shaped genre painting, which Marstrand worshipped in the period 1841-1845, between the 1st and 2nd Italy trip, respectively.
The scene is set in a farmer's living room on Zealand. The suitor, whose presence is the cause of the incident playing out, is no handsome youth but is seated woodenly adjacent to the old oven, staring at the floor. He finds it difficult to express himself and has thus brought his mother. We see her from behind while she pleads her son's case. The goodman is seated, slightly reserved, while glancing at the potential son-in-law, all the while his wife is in the alcove, pretending to take care of the upholstery, though naturally, she listens in attentively. The couple's daughter lurks behind the door, listening intently.

Similar painting at The National Gallery of Denmark, inventory no. KMS1220 (acquired by the museum in 1883).