NIVÅ.- In a significant cultural acquisition, Nivaagaards Art Collection has successfully obtained Carl Bloch’s renowned 1869 portrait of the beloved Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The masterpiece, considered one of the finest likenesses of Andersen captured in life, is now on display at the museum following an extensive restoration process funded by the Beckett Foundation.
Uncover the intricate artistry and profound narratives of Carl Heinrich Bloch with "The Master's Hand."
Carl Bloch’s portrait of H.C. Andersen, painted in 1869, stands out as a remarkable depiction of the famed fairy tale writer. Despite Andersen’s personal reservations about his appearance—complaining about his graying hair and a grease spot on his attire—the painting has long been celebrated for its artistic excellence and historical significance. Since 2019, the portrait was held in deposit by Nivaagaards Malerisamling from a Swiss private collector who was unable to export the artwork due to a stringent export ban. This restriction kept the portrait safely stored in a Copenhagen bank vault for over two decades.
In 2024, the collector decided to sell the portrait, and thanks to a generous donation from the Beckett Foundation, Nivaagaards Art Collection was able to acquire the piece. The acquisition marks a triumphant moment for the museum, enriching its collection with a pivotal work that underscores the intersection of Danish literary heritage and Baroque artistry.
The portrait underwent meticulous restoration and cleaning, ensuring that its intricate details and original vibrancy are fully preserved for public appreciation. The restored artwork is now featured in a special exhibition titled “H.C. Andersen’s Beloved Italy,” which showcases a curated selection of pieces that reflect Andersen’s deep affection for the country. Visitors can view the newly restored portrait until January 5, 2025, providing a rare opportunity to witness the artwork in its full glory.
The journey of Carl Bloch’s portrait began when it was commissioned by money changer Martin R. Henriques and his wife Therese, both close friends of H.C. Andersen. In a letter dated May 29, 1869, Andersen expressed his gratitude and hope for the portrait’s enduring presence within the Henriques family:
"I am pleased that my portrait by Bloch is coming into your home; may it remain in the family and grow in value when I am gone—that is, gone from the Earth—and he who painted it has become old and gray."
Andersen’s diary entries from May 1869 reveal his mixed feelings during the painting sessions with Bloch. He noted his dissatisfaction with his portrayal, particularly criticizing the overly gray hair and an accidental grease spot on his coat. Despite his critiques, the portrait remains a cherished piece, capturing Andersen’s dignified yet contemplative essence.
Johannes Hage, the founder of Nivaagaards Art Collection, would have been delighted to see Bloch’s portrait included in the museum’s holdings. As a child, Hage fondly remembers Andersen reading his fairy tales aloud in the Hage family home on Christianshavn. Andersen himself recalled a positive encounter with the young Hage in a letter from Paris, highlighting the deep personal connections that enrich the museum’s narrative.
The Portrait of H.C. Andersen was first exhibited at Charlottenborg in 1869 and has been featured in various exhibitions since, including a prominent display at the National Gallery of Denmark (SMK) in 2023. During its nearly 20-year confinement in a bank vault, the portrait was only publicly displayed once, at Frederiksborg Castle in 2005, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Andersen’s birth.
The acquisition story of Bloch’s portrait is a testament to perseverance and cultural dedication. In 1998, the portrait was purchased at auction in Denmark by a Swiss private collector. However, the subsequent export ban imposed by the Cultural Value Committee, which deemed the work too valuable to leave Denmark, led to the artwork’s prolonged storage in a safe deposit box. Attempts by the committee to purchase the portrait were unsuccessful, and when the bank ceased allowing art storage in 2019, several works were sold to SMK. Despite these challenges, the Portrait of H.C. Andersen remained with the original owner until Nivaagaards Art Collection stepped in, facilitated by the Beckett Foundation’s support.
The acquisition of Carl Bloch’s Portrait of H.C. Andersen not only enhances Nivaagaards Art Collection’s esteemed repertoire but also reinforces Denmark’s commitment to preserving its cultural and literary heritage. The portrait serves as a bridge between Andersen’s literary genius and the exquisite craftsmanship of Baroque sculpture, offering visitors a profound connection to Denmark’s artistic legacy.
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