Bertha Wegmann was one of the few female artists who in her time achieved great international success and recognition. She was born in Switzerland, but traveled with her family to Denmark, where she grew up. She received her artistic education in Munich in 1867–81 and subsequently in Paris, where she was influenced by the modern French art.

Wegmann’s large-scale production included both genre paintings, landscapes, interiors, and still lifes, and she also became one of the most significant and sought-after portrait painters of her time. She both portrayed her family and close friends and painted numerous commissioned portraits. Wegmann had her debut at Charlottenborg’s Spring Exhibition in 1873 and exhibited here regularly until her death. She also participated in several major exhibitions in the Nordic countries and Europe, including the Salon in Paris, where she won a gold medal in 1882, and the World’s fair in Paris 1889 and Chicago 1893.

Wegmann worked actively to improve the opportunities of female artists as a member of the board of The School of Drawing and Art Industry for Women (Tegne- og Kunstindustriskolen for Kvinder) in 1887–1907. She was the first woman ever to be elected to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts’ Plenary Assembly. She was also the first woman to be elected to Charlottenborg’s Exhibition and Censorship Committee.