Collection: Carl Bloch

Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834–1890) was a Danish painter, draftsman, and printmaker. Born in Copenhagen, he undertook studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Art, where he was a student of Wilhelm Marstrand. Bloch established himself as a history painter, representing a significant figure in Danish art during the second half of the 19th century and the last major artist in the tradition of late Romantic history painting.

Bloch's early works included rural genre scenes. He resided in Italy from 1859 to 1866, a period that proved crucial for the development of his historical painting style. His first major success was the exhibition of "Prometheus Unbound" in Copenhagen in 1865. He later completed the decorations for the ceremonial hall at the University of Copenhagen. Bloch also produced a notable body of graphic work, demonstrating both technical skill and aesthetic value, influenced by his familiarity with Rembrandt's oeuvre from his time in the Netherlands.

While Bloch was considered a major painter in his lifetime, his critical standing declined after his death due to the emergence of new art movements. However, his works, particularly those with Christian themes, maintained considerable popularity in religious circles, notably within the Mormon Church and the Danish Indre Mission, and in Danish schools, with reproductions widely disseminated in religious homes.