#cw eckersberg

Thorald Brenstrup (May 25, 1812 - 1883), was a Danish landscape painter who had trained as a porcelain painter while also studying at the Academy in Copenhagen. This was the Golden Age of Danish art, as although influenced by Købke, Eckersbreg and P.C. Skovgaard, Brenstrup became a fine exponent of Danish landscape painting, whether he found his subjects in Italy or at home in the Danish woods.

Above:The Ruins of the Antique Theatre at Tusculum, Italy, 1848 - oil on paper pasted onto canvas (Statens Museum for Kunst)

Christen Købke (May 26, 1810 - 1848) was a Danish National-Romantic painter from the Golden Age of Danish art. He trained at the Royal Academy, starting at age 12, studying with Eckersberg and others.

Eventually Købke traveled abroad to Italy, but upon return failed to be accepted as a full-fledged member by the Royal Academy. This is said to have broken his spirit and he died young from pneumonia.

Now he is considered the most talented Danish National Romantic artist, and he did master both portrait painting, landscapes, interiors and genre painting in almost equal measure. I like his landscapes, esp. those showing Copenhagen, the Danish capital as a semi-rural city. This is the view from out his father’s garden gate:

Havelågen ved bagermester Købkes gård på Blegdammen, 1843-4 - oil on paper pasted onto canvas (SMK)