Nicolai Abildgaard (1743 - 1809), The Wounded Philoctetes. Statens Museum for Kunst, 1775. Oil on canvas 123 x 175.5 cm.

COPENHAGEN.- Two full-scale retrospective exhibitions of Wilhelm Freddie and Nicolai Abildgaard. Read also about the autumn’s grand exhibitions on the occasion of the UN Copenhagen Climate Change Conference and the new exhibition initiatives of the Collection of Prints and Drawings.

NICOLAI ABILDGAARD
29 AUGUST 2009 – 3 JANUARY 2010
The works of one of the major figures of Danish art are presented on a larger scale than ever before, where we experience both the breadth and the main works of this versatile and in many ways controversial artist. Nicolai Abildgaard (1743-1809) was active at a time of political unrest and upheaval when there was a sharp confrontation between tradition and renewal. As a young artist he rebelled against the current classicism and his political views were quickly affected by inspirations from the French Revolution in particular. This exhibition celebrates the bicentenary of his death and is one of the most all-embracing presentations of his oeuvre ever. His paintings are the main focus, but drawings, graphic art and furniture design also contribute to a picture of the breadth of his production and artistic work. The exhibition is the result of collaboration between the Louvre in Paris and Hamburger Kunsthalle, where it will be shown first.