Henrik Olrik

Henrik Olrik (1830–1890) was a Danish painter, sculptor and designer, born in Copenhagen. He entered the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1844 to study sculpture under Herman Wilhelm Bissen, while making reduced copies of Thorvaldsen's works at the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory. In 1854 he went to Paris to take up painting in earnest, studying in the studio of Thomas Couture. Back in Denmark from 1855, he became a recognised portrait painter, whose sitters included Christian IX, the king's daughter Alexandra, later Princess of Wales, and Henrik Ibsen. He also painted landscapes, history and religious subjects, among them work for the Marble Church and the large altarpiece of St. Matthew's Church in Copenhagen, and designed silverware, porcelain and coins. He became a member of the Academy in 1871 and a titular professor in 1883. His daughter Dagmar Olrik was among his pupils. Two works here: A Nun at Morning in her Cell (En Nonne om Morgenen i sin Celle) and Sermon on the Mount.