Georg Achen was an accomplished painter who generally produced fine interior scenes with figures and beautifully observed landscapes. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and later under PS Kroyer (1851-1909). He was a contemporary of Vilhelm Hammershoi (1864-1916) and his interiors bear many similarities.
1860
Born in Frederikssund, Denmark. The son of a merchant.
1871
Moved to Copenhagen with his family and began studying at Schneekloth's School under Niels Christian Kierkegaard.
1877
Began studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen.
1882
Portrait of Lars Mathson A Publican. From our collection.
1883
Began studying at the Artists' Study School under P.S. Krøyer (1851-1909) and exhibited his early works, which included three landscapes. Later in the year, he travelled to Russia to study the collections at St Petersburg.
Portrait of a Gentleman. From our collection.
1884
Peasant Girl in a Beech Forest, Sunshine
1885
Introduced more portraiture and interiors to his repertoire. Until now, Achen was primarily known as a landscape painter. Gained greater recognition as a result.
1886
During a visit to Paris, he studied the works of French impressionists, which left an indelible mark on his philosophy and brushwork.
Married Ane Cathrine Thiele.
1888-89
Travelled to Italy.
1889
Exhibited at the Paris Salon.
1890
Awarded the Thorvaldsen Medal for a portrait of his mother.
1896
Interior With Reading Woman
1897
Mother, Daughter and Granddaughter Knitting
Reading Lady
This year, to the dismay of his conservative customers, he joined the Free Exhibition, which was designed to showcase artists that veered from traditional approaches.
1901
Interior Scene
1902
Woman With Needlework
1903
Interior from Liselund Castle
The Dream Window in the Old Liselund Castle
1905
Interior in the Afternoon Sun
1907
Interior Scene
1911
1912
Died, Frederiksberg, Denmark.