Two Golden Ages

Like the 17th century in the Netherlands, the first half of the 19th century was a time for a major flourishing of the art of painting, but this time in Denmark. In spite of a difference of almost 200 years, the Dutch masters were a rich source of inspiration for painters in Denmark. They were fascinated by the work of their Dutch predecessors that they saw in the art collections in Copenhagen and during their travels abroad. Genre pieces, landscapes, portraits, church interiors and seascapes were modified to suit the tastes of the people living in 19th century Denmark. The many colour reproductions in this book provide the means for a fascinating comparison between the Dutch and Danish paintings. Contributions by prominent Danish art historians give detailed explanations about the connection between the artworks. The authors of the book also draw a picture of the cultural climate in which the Danish works developed. Featured in this regard are philosophy, literature and theatre as well as the Danish interest in psychology and motivation that was so remarkable for that era. This exceptional book throws new light on the art of the Danish Golden Age while simultaneously exposing the far-reaching influence that the Dutch 17th century masters had on it.