En dansende italienerinde

1810–1813 · Werkzaam in

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.