2031/​19

Aage Bertelsen (b. Næstved 1873, d. Copenhagen 1945)

Portrait of chief engineer and assistant meteorologist at Danmarksekspeditionen Ivar Weinschenk. Signed Aage Bertelsen 1907. Oil on canvas. 52×40 cm.

Achton Friis’ inventory of his and Aage Bertelsen's works executed during the expedition no. 29.

The purpose of the Denmark Expedition 1907–1908 was to map the coast of Northern Greenland and the waters around Peary Land. The scientific project was headed by Mylius-Erichsen unquestionably fulfilled contemporary expectations. The group created quite a stir, for instance, by succeeding in mapping the entire North-Eastern coast and its big inlets, including the 200 kilometres deep Denmark Fiord. As a member of this expedition, the painter Aage Bertelsen (1873–1945) was expected to create a visual, historical documentation of this sensational project.

Aage Bertelsen made many sketches, studies and paintings during the expedition. Among the main works we find a collection of twelve documentary paintings that were made at the places where the Denmark Expedition came to a halt. Such places could be quite rough. The Bertelsen family tells of the conditions Aage found himself in on the Eastern coast of Greenland when he painted these paintings. It was so cold that his brush strokes could not exceed a length of about three centimetres - otherwise paint, brush and canvas would simply freeze together.

Condition

Minor retouches.

Additional Remarks

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.

Auction

Paintings, furniture and varia, 27 July 2020

Category
Estimate

10,000–12,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

14,500 DKK  

16 bids

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