Painting , 1836 Danish painting goes back hundreds of years. Earlier work is often manifested in churches, for example in the form of
frescos such as those from the 16th-century artist known as the
Elmelunde Master. But it was not until the beginning of the 19th century that the
Golden Age of Danish Painting emerged with a marked increase in truly Danish art inspired by the country itself with its lifestyle and traditions.
Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg was an important influence on the following generation's study of nature, in which landscape painting came to the fore. He had many successful students, including
Wilhelm Bendz (1804–1832),
Christen Købke (1810–48),
Martinus Rørbye (1803–1848),
Constantin Hansen (1804–1880),
Jørgen Roed (1808–1888),
Wilhelm Marstrand (1810–1873),
C. A. Jensen (1792–1870),
J. Th. Lundbye (1818–1848), and
P. C. Skovgaard (1817–1875). Some years later, a number of painters including
P. S. Krøyer (1851–1909) and
Michael (1849–1927) and
Anna Ancher (1859–1935) moved to
Skagen in the far north of
Jylland to paint the natural surroundings and local people. In due course, the town developed into an artists' colony. A little later, a similar phenomenon developed on
Fyn with artists such as
Johannes Larsen (1867–1961).
Vilhelm Hammershøi is another known painter. Collections of modern art enjoy unusually attractive settings at the
Louisiana Museum north of
Copenhagen, at the North Jylland Art Museum in
Aalborg and at the
ARoS art museum in Aarhus. The
National Museum of Art and the
Glyptotek, both in Copenhagen, contain treasures of Danish and international art.
Sculpture '' statue in
Langelinie Danish sculpture as a nationally recognized art form can be traced back to 1752 when
Jacques Saly was commissioned to execute King
Frederick V of Denmark while on horseback. While
Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844) was undoubtedly the country's most prominent contributor of his time, many other sculptors also produced notable works in the areas of
Neoclassicism,
Realism, and
Historicism, the latter resulting from a growing consciousness of a national identity. From modern times, many notable works of
Surrealism and
Modernism has been produced, inspired by European trends, especially those from Paris. Present notable Danish sculptors includes
Michael Kvium,
Hein Heinsen and
Bjørn Nørgaard, but the field holds many skilled practitioners and the styles has diversified greatly.
Literature The principal contributors to Danish literature are undoubtedly
Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) with his fairy tales, the philosopher
Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855), storyteller
Karen Blixen (1885–1962), playwright
Ludvig Holberg (1684–1754), and modern authors such as
Henrik Pontoppidan and
Herman Bang. Among today's Danish writers, probably the best-known to international readers is
Peter Høeg (
Smilla's Sense of Snow;
Borderliners).
Benny Andersen wrote poems, short stories, and music. Poems by both writers have been translated into English by the Curbstone Press.
Klaus Rifbjerg has published over 100 novels as well as poetry, short stories and TV plays. Two of his works have been translated into English:
Witness to the Future and
War.
Kirsten Thorup's novel
Baby, winner of the 1980
Pegasus Prize, is published in English by the University of Louisiana Press. The psychological thrillers of
Anders Bodelsen also appear in English as do some of the novels of intrigue by
Leif Davidsen.
Suzanne Brøgger and
Vita Andersen focus largely on the changing roles of women in society.
Architecture , Copenhagen. Brick is a widely used building material in Danish architecture. The architecture of Denmark has changed and evolved since prehistoric times, but the oldest buildings to have survived the ravages of time dates to the early
Middle Ages when bricks was introduced as building material around 1150 AD and the first
Romanesque, then
Gothic churches and cathedrals sprang up across the country.
Brick is still a locally produced, affordable, durable and widely used building material in today's architecture of Denmark. Inspired by
French castles and with the assistance of Dutch designers, architecture during the
Renaissance flourished with magnificent royal palaces.
Neoclassicism came to Denmark from France and, in the 19th century, slowly merged into the
National Romantic style when Danish designers came into their own. It was, however, not until the last half of the 20th century that Danish architects entered the world scene with their highly successful
Functionalism. This, in turn, has evolved into more recent world-class designers such as
Johann Otto von Spreckelsen who designed the
Grande Arche in Paris. Internationally, perhaps the most celebrated of all is the architect who designed the iconic
Sydney Opera House,
Jørn Utzon, but within Danish borders, it is the architect
Arne Jacobsen who is perhaps held in highest esteem for developing the '
Danish Modern' style and furniture/interior design, such as the now world-famous and much sought-after
Swan and
Egg chairs. A new wave of young Danish architects are rising into international prominence, like
Bjarke Ingels with works such as the Danish National Pavilion at the
Shanghai 2010 Expo.
Photography :
Ulfeldts Plads, Copenhagen (1840). Denmark's oldest photograph. Photography in Denmark has developed from strong participation and interest in the very beginnings of the
art in 1839 to some of the strongest contemporary photography in Europe today. Pioneers such as
Mads Alstrup and
Georg Emil Hansen paved the way for a rapidly growing profession during the last half of the 19th century while both artistic and press photographers have since made internationally recognised contributions. Today Danish photographers such as
Astrid Kruse Jensen and
Jacob Aue Sobol are active both at home and abroad, participating in key exhibitions around the world.
Design 's The Swan and the Egg Danish design is a term often used to describe a style of
functionalistic design and architecture that was developed in mid-20th century, originating in Denmark. Danish design is typically applied to industrial design, furniture and household objects, which have won many international awards. The Danish Porcelain Factory ("
Royal Copenhagen"), including Bing & Grøndahl, is famous for the quality of its ceramics and export products worldwide. Danish design is also a well-known brand, often associated with world-famous designers and architects such as
Børge Mogensen (1914–1972),
Finn Juhl (1912–1989),
Hans Wegner (1914–2007),
Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971),
Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980),
Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) and
Verner Panton (1926–1998).
Georg Jensen (1866–1935) is known the world over for modern design in silver. Other designers of note include
Kristian Solmer Vedel (1923–2003) in the area of industrial design,
Jens Harald Quistgaard (1919–2008) for kitchen furniture and implements and
Ole Wanscher (1903–1985) who had a classical approach to furniture design. The
Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen exhibits the best in Danish design. ==Performing arts==