Erik Werenskiold

Carsten Tank Nielsen was the first director of telegraphy and telephony infrastructure in Norway, a position he held from 1855 to 1892. Werenskiold painted this portrait of Tank Nielsen in 1888 in a 'power-portrait' style common at the time. This is seen in its dark background and subject formally depicted in a dark and bearing decorations.

However, we also glimpse the person behind the facade; he looks directly at us, with a slightly expectant gaze. We see a man with hands resting on his thighs, secure in his position, but perhaps slightly embarrassed at the artist's inquisitive attention?