Unknown Woman's Secret: From Scandal to Screen

Ivan Kramskoy's "Portrait of an Unknown Woman," a painting that initially stirred scandal in imperial Russia, later found widespread popularity as a Soviet art staple. Its recent appearance in Joachim Trier's film "Sentimental Value" unveiled a deeply personal connection.

The portrait, known for its depiction of a woman against a misty St. Petersburg backdrop, was initially deemed too arrogant and scandalous for contemporary tastes, even being rejected by Pavel Tretyakov for his gallery. After nationalization, it became a ubiquitous reproduction in Soviet homes, appreciated for its mysterious and slightly rebellious nature.

In "Sentimental Value," the portrait served as a visual link to a personal story. It was a copy painted by Hedvig Broch, a friend of the film's production designer, Jørgen Stangebye Larsen. Broch, who had aspired to be an artist but was deterred by family obligations, eventually returned to painting, creating her own melancholic interpretation of the "Unknown Woman."

Tragically, Broch, much like figures in Trier's previous films and the mother character in "Sentimental Value," took her own life. Director Joachim Trier stated the portrait's inclusion was unintentional, referencing Goethe's idea that overt intention can break a spell, suggesting the art's power lies in its subtle resonance.