HANSEN, Constantin
(b. 1804, Roma, d. 1880, Frederiksberg)

Biography

Danish painter, belonging to the artists of the Golden Age of Danish painting. He entered the architecture school of the Royal Danish Academy of Art at 12 years of age, but changed his course of study to painting at the age of 21. He began his training under Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg in 1828.

From 1835 he traveled extensively in Germany and Italy. He stayed eight years in Italy then returned to Denmark. Between 1844 and 1853 he executed the fresco decoration in the University of Copenhagen. He was interested in literature and mythology, and he tried to recreate a national historical painting based on Norse mythology. He painted also many altarpieces and portraits

In 1854 he was named professor at the Academy, and became member of the Academy in 1864.