C. W. Eckersberg (b. Blåkrog near Aabenraa 1783, d. Copenhagen 1853)
“En Scene af Axel og Valborg”. A scene from Oehlenschläger's tragedy of Axel og Valborg. 1818. Unsigned. Oil on canvas. 85×75 cm.
Emil Hannover, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Works of C. W. Eckersberg no. 231.
Exhibited: Charlottenborg 1818 no. 16. Purchased by Count Moltke to Bregentved.
C. W. Eckersberg writes in his diary March 23, 1818 (in Danish): “Finished Axel and Valborg”.
Provenance: Commissioned by merchant Mendel Levin Nathanson. Count August Adam Wilhelm Moltke-Bregentved (1818). His son Count Frederik Georg Julius Moltke-Bregentved His son Count Frederik Christian Moltke-Bregentved. His son Count Christian Frederik Gustav Moltke-Bregentved, his auction Winkel & Magnussen auction 376, 1952 no. 35, reproduced p. 15.
Scene from the 3rd act of Adam Oehlenschläger's tragedy “Axel and Valborg” written in Paris in 1808.
The whole action of the drama takes place in the famous Trondhjem Cathedral, in Norway, during the reign of Haakon Herdebred. Axel and Valborg are cousins who love each other. In spite of the pope's dispensation removing the legal impediment, a scheming monk prevents their marriage. Valborg is forced into a monastery. Axel and Valborg succeed in escaping, but Axel is forced to fight for the king, who also loves Valborg. Axel is deadly wounded. Valborg's heart breaks when she is sitting with Axel's dead body. In this tragedy of a Northern woman's true and constant devotion, the beauty of the ballad is brought to its full fruition.
Condition report on request. Contact fine-art@bruun-rasmussen.dk
Please note: The item is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. In the event of a hammer price of DKK 50,000 or more, including buyer’s premium, the buyer must submit a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of address in order to collect the item.
Paintings & books, 19 September 2017