Early life and education Pedersen was born in
Copenhagen to the premier lieutenant and artist
Vilhelm Pedersen and Adolphine Marie Pedersen. His brother was
Thorolf Pedersen. He began his artistic training under his father before studying at the
Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1871 to 1878. While at the Academy, he was mentored by
P.C. Skovgaard and
Janus la Cour, and his early works exhibited their influence. Pedersen's first major recognition came in 1877 when he received the
Sødring Prize for his painting
Outside a Brewery. Career Pedersen traveled extensively throughout his career, visiting
Germany (1873),
Paris (1881),
Italy,
Switzerland, and
Holland. These journeys, particularly his time in Paris, exposed him to modern French landscape art, which significantly influenced his style. Works like
A Rutted Path under Old Trees (1882), acquired by the
Statens Museum for Kunst, and
Sunshine in the Living Room (1888) demonstrate the impact of these experiences. In 1890, Pedersen's painting
At the Approach of Night earned him the prestigious Annual Medal. He later joined the Free Exhibition, becoming a prominent contributor from 1891, and was elected to the Royal Danish Academy's plenary assembly in 1904, serving on its council from 1908 to 1911. He exhibited in Paris in 1889 and 1900 at the Universal Exhibition.
Personal life Pedersen married twice. His first marriage, in 1884, was to Elisabeth Bella Marie Borup, with whom he had three sons:
Christen Jul Viggo Pedersen, an instructor;
Stefan Viggo Pedersen, a painter and illustrator; and
Johannes Viggo Pedersen, a pianist and organist. His daughter, Ruth Sora Viggo Pedersen, died young. After Elisabeth's death in 1905, he married Johanne Louise Aagaard in 1906. == Artistic style ==