Collection: Nicolai Abildgaard

Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard (1743–1809) was a Danish painter, sculptor, and architect, active in Danish Neoclassicism. He trained at the New Royal Danish Academy of Art in Copenhagen and studied in Rome from 1772 to 1777. He became a professor at the Academy in 1778, serving as director during 1789–1791 and 1801–1809.

Abildgaard's oeuvre encompassed royal history painting, mythology, and literary themes, including Nordic myths and Shakespearean scenes. His work often blended classicist characteristics with romantic tendencies, evident in his frescoes and murals for royal palaces. He also worked as a draftsman and decorator.

As a royal artist and decorator from 1780 to 1805, Abildgaard executed works for Christiansborg Palace, Fredensborg Palace, and Levetzau Palace at Amalienborg. He is considered a founder of the Danish school of painting and taught Bertel Thorvaldsen at the Academy.