Masterly Works of Art on Paper

In Denmark, the period from 1801–1864 was characterised by a flourishing art scene. Music, literature and not least painting thrived despite a serious economic and territorial downturn. The artist H.G.F. Holm (1803–1861) – also known as “Poor Holm” – succeeded under particularly difficult circumstances in becoming known for his depictions of life and the streets in the capital. Despite being a highly industrious and productive painter, he suffered from a constant lack of money. For his small prospects, he received just 1 rdl. – money that was desperately needed in a poor family with four children. Holm’s motifs depict the capital’s marketplaces, streets, squares and buildings. He made pencil sketches on site, which he then copied at home, often making several copies, and then coloured. He later went on to produce a series of outline engravings, which were then coloured with watercolour. Holm’s extensive production provides a unique picture of the breathtaking capital during the Golden Age.  In contrast to the self-taught H.G.F Holm, who created his work in Golden Age Copenhagen and the idyllic surroundings of the city, other artists of his day headed for warmer climes. 

In the first half of the 19th century, Rome was the absolute centre of European art. On the initiative of Bertel Thorvaldsen, “De Danskes Bogsamling i Rom” (the Danish Book Collection in Rome) was founded in 1833. For decades, this “library” and the local Caffé Greco served as a social and cultural “embassy” for the many visiting Danish artists who spent time in the city. It was later named “Circolo Scandinavo”, and the artists drew and exchanged self-portraits and portraits of each other during their time here. This formed the basis of Circolo Scandinavo’s unique collection of artist portraits, the remainder of which we now have the pleasure of being able to offer at our Online themed Auction entitled Art on Paper.

The artists included Lorenz Frølich, who made a name for himself as an illustrator, drawer and graphic artist outside the country; F. C. Lund, who participated in the decoration of Thorvaldsens Museum and who, from 1854–60, painted a large number of hugely popular watercolours of Danish folk costumes; Vilhelm Bissen, who, influenced by French naturalism, inspired an entire generation of young sculptors;  Wilhelm Marstrand, who, as a student of Eckersberg, painted portraits of his friends and who lost himself in the Italian way of life, with folk festivals as a recurring theme of his large Italian compositions; and not least Krøyer, who was gifted with a rare artistic talent and had the ability to reproduce any subject quickly and reliably, chosen or posed, in pencil, oil or pastel, and who sought the company of other artists in France, Italy and finally Skagen, where he famously settled in 1882.

Bid on artist portraits, fine prospects and other art on paper. The hammer falls on 29 July.