This month’s BiteSize art info from a Danish artist

The Father of Danish Painting

Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg 1783—1853

By Jeanette Christjansen

The Danish Golden Age of painting began with Eckersberg who rejected the idealizing art of the 18th century and introduced a realism based on studies from nature.

A pupil at the Royal Academy of fine arts in Copenhagen, Eckersberg went to Paris to study and this painting “Reclining Female Nude” bears witness to the thoroughness with which Eckersberg’s powers of observation were trained in Paris.

Eckersberg remained in Paris from 1809-1813. He studied for a year under the guidance of Jacques-Louis-David the pioneer of the Neo classical tradition. And he continued to Rome from 1813-1816 where he reached full maturity as an artist.

He was dubbed “ The father of Danish painting and went on to influenced a generation of painters during the 1820 and 1830 until 1840. Painters like Wilhelm Marstrand 1810 – 1873 and  Christian Købke 1810 – 1848. Are among the painters Eckersberg influenced. His honest and naturalistic approach to achieving beautiful skin tones and flesh tones show his love for people.

Eckersberg’s Woman standing in front of a Mirror, is one of the most memorable and iconic painting in Danish painting history. Towards the end of his life, young Danish modernists thought he was too old fashion. After two centuries, Eckersberg continue to influence artists from all walks of life. Statens Museum for Kunst. Copenhagen house most of Eckersberg’s masterpieces

Contributor’s info:

Jeanette Christjansen (Danish)
https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.casablancas
Official website: www.JeanetteChristjansen.com
Studio: monstudio@earthlink.net

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