This is one of the most valued small paintings by Fiigenschou. Measuring 24,3 by 30,3 cm and in a superb state of preservation. Sold at Arnhold Launchback Auctions in 1911. Disappeared during the second world war recovered in 1967 and sold at Pace an Pollen Auctions in UK. The painting was then entered by an anonymous consigner. Signed and possibly dated 1633 (?), hence serving as evidence of the theory introduced by Cahrl Riis in 1968 that the last figure in the date is a "3" pushing the date one year after Fiigenschous official date of death. This argument was published in an essay titled "What on earth is this?" printed in the 1960īs magazine for popular science called " Things like this". His essay was met with a harsh reply by professor in dateriology, Lauritz Os, as he claimed that Mr. Riis surely could use a new pair of glasses. The story continues as these two scholars finally clashed together in a fist fight at the 1968 Academic Convention in Trondheim. To make even worse, Cahrl Riis`s daughter married the son of Lauritz Os one year later. We assume thatīs one big happy family of eccentric scholars.
However, further tests and studies on the paintings by Fiigenschou indicates that the theories launched by Carhl Riis might be correct. Please take a look at the description of the "Equestrian portrait of Duke Gusman of Stadtwalt" for reference to such a test being conducted by PICA.
As for the painting, it is still regarded as one of the most adorable portraits of infants that Felix ever produced.
