
Christoffer Wilhelm EckersbergDanish, 1783–1853May one see it?
Copenhagen, Denmark
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
1810–1813 · Workplace
Paris
1811–1812
Studies under Jacques-Louis David in Paris
He improves his skill in painting the human form and follows his teacher's admonition to paint after Nature and the Antique in order to find Truth.
1811–1812
Lifelong friends: Møller and Clemens
In Paris he forms a lifelong friendship with his roommate, the fellow artist Jens Peter Møller, and with the engraver Johan Frederik Clemens, a collaborator of Jens Juel.
1813
Travels to Rome via Florence
After two years in Paris he travels on via Florence to Rome to continue his studies.
8 February 1817
Marries Elisabeth Juel
He marries Elisabeth Cathrine Julie Juel, daughter of Jens Juel, portrait painter and professor at the Academy; before her death in 1827 they have two sons and four daughters.
1818
Appointed professor at the Academy
He takes up the professorship left vacant by Abildgaard's death in 1809: the Academy had kept the post open until his return, holding off other candidates, and finally gave it both to him and to J. L. Lund (other accounts say he became a professor already in 1817). Teaching is his greatest contribution: he takes students out into the field, introducing direct study from nature into Danish art, and encourages them to develop their individual strengths.