Kristian Zahrtmann (1843-1917) – The Death of Queen Sophie Amalie Kobenhavn (SMK) National Gallery of Denmark

The composition presents a scene steeped in somber grandeur and emotional intensity. A woman lies propped up on ornate pillows within what appears to be a lavishly appointed chamber. Her face, rendered with meticulous detail, conveys exhaustion and the imminence of death; her eyes are closed, and her expression is one of quiet suffering. She is draped in rich fabrics, including a cloak embroidered with what seems to be a heraldic motif bearing the inscription SPES MEA DEI.
Beside her kneels a figure clad in dark, fur-trimmed robes. The posture suggests reverence or grief, perhaps an attempt at solace offered to the dying woman. This individual’s face is partially obscured, adding to the sense of mystery and potentially symbolizing a broader representation of mourning rather than a specific person.
The setting itself contributes significantly to the paintings atmosphere. A table laden with silver goblets sits in the background, hinting at past celebrations and opulence now overshadowed by loss. Above this table, a bust is prominently displayed within an elaborate frame; its presence suggests lineage, authority, or perhaps a connection to historical figures whose lives have also been marked by mortality.
A chest overflowing with what appear to be jewels and garments lies open on the floor near the bed. This detail introduces a layer of complexity – a visual representation of material wealth rendered insignificant in the face of death. The scattered slippers further emphasize the abruptness of the transition, suggesting a life interrupted.
The color palette is dominated by dark tones – deep blues, browns, and blacks – which amplify the paintings melancholic mood. However, touches of pink and white within the bedding and the dying woman’s attire provide subtle contrasts that draw attention to her fragility. The overall effect is one of profound sadness tempered by a sense of regal dignity.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of mortality, loss, faith, and the ephemeral nature of earthly power and possessions. Its not merely a depiction of death but an exploration of its impact on those left behind and a meditation on the weight of history and tradition.