Nicolai Abildgaard: Revolution Embodied

When culture is classical and traditionally oriented, how can one escape the clutch of tradition? Abildgaard’s art is concerned with the relationship to tradition, and ways of depicting the body. His paintings originate from the political watershed of the turn of the 19th century, when traditionalists and innovators were sharply opposed. Abildgaard’s sympathies were with a new orientation of art and society. Right from the start he was among the young artists who reacted strongly against the prevalent classicism. His political attitudes were quickly inspired by the French Revolution of 1789.

The exhibition The exhibition presents a rich selection of Abildgaard’s work. It is primarily painting, but other mediums are also represented: drawing, graphics and furniture design. This gives an impression of the breadth of his production and artistic activities.

An exhibition on tour The exhibition is the result of collaboration between the Louvre and the National Gallery of Denmark; it starts its tour at the Louvre in Paris (November 12 2008 – February 9 2009). It then removes to the Hamburger Kunsthalle in Hamburg in the spring of 2009 (March 3 – June 14), where it will be extended with several works. Statens Museum for Kunst is responsible for le grand finale with the most comprehensive presentation of the artist hitherto.

Catalogue A major exhibition catalogue with contributions by Danish and foreign researchers will be published in connection with the exhibition at the National Gallery of Denmark. The catalogue will be published in both Danish and English.

Nicolai Abildgaard: Revolution Embodied