Biography
Danish painter Aage Bertelsen was an adventurous landscape artist who travelled across Europe and joined a remarkable two-year expedition to the frozen wilderness of northeastern Greenland. Yet despite witnessing some of the world's most extraordinary scenery, he became particularly celebrated for his sensitive depictions of the peaceful woodlands, lakes and changing seasons around his home in Denmark.
Born in Næstved, Bertelsen was introduced to painting by his father, Rudolf Bertelsen, and the distinguished Danish artist L. A. Ring, a close family friend. He subsequently studied under Kristian Zahrtmann, who took a particular interest in his development and accompanied him to Italy in 1897.
In 1906, Bertelsen joined the Denmark Expedition to northeastern Greenland, an ambitious undertaking led by Ludvig Mylius-Erichsen. Alongside fellow artist Achton Friis, he spent two years recording the extraordinary Arctic landscape. Painting in such extreme conditions presented unusual difficulties, with accounts describing how his brushes could freeze against the canvas. The expedition was also marked by tragedy when three members, including its leader, lost their lives.
Following his return, Bertelsen's Greenland paintings were exhibited internationally, including at the Royal Geographical Society in London. He eventually settled in Birkerød, north of Copenhagen, where he devoted much of his career to capturing the quiet beauty of the surrounding countryside.
His most characteristic works depict the Danish landscape in early spring, when the trees are still bare, and the subdued colours of winter begin to give way to warmer tones. There is a remarkable sensitivity in these paintings, particularly in his treatment of light, reflections and the delicate structure of leafless branches.
Bertelsen travelled to some of the most remote places on Earth, yet never lost his fascination with the beauty on his doorstep.
Known For
Atmospheric Danish landscapes, woodland lakes, forests, early spring scenery, winter scenes and Arctic expedition paintings. He also produced portraits, interiors and ceramic designs, although landscape painting remained his principal interest. His Greenland paintings form a distinctive part of his career, combining artistic observation with the documentary importance of an early 20th-century polar expedition.
Student Of
- Rudolf Vilhelm Valdemar Bertelsen (1828-1921), his father.
- Laurits Andersen Ring (1854-1933).
- Kristian Zahrtmann (1843-1917), at Zahrtmann's painting school, 1891-1896.
Lived In / Travel
Denmark: Næstved, Birkerød and the surrounding North Zealand countryside.
International travel: Italy, Germany, France, England, Sweden, Norway and Greenland.
Bertelsen travelled extensively throughout his career. His Italian journeys included Florence, Siena, Venice, Rome, Naples and Civita d'Antino, where he spent two months in 1913. He also visited Norway's Lofoten Islands with the Danish sculptor Kai Nielsen. Between 1906 and 1908, he participated in the Denmark Expedition to northeastern Greenland. Following his return, he settled in Birkerød, where he continued to paint the surrounding woodlands and countryside.
The Denmark Expedition, 1906-1908
In 1906, Bertelsen joined one of the most ambitious Danish Arctic expeditions of the early 20th century.
Led by Ludvig Mylius-Erichsen, the Denmark Expedition set out to explore and map the remote northeastern coast of Greenland. At the time, substantial areas of this inhospitable region remained poorly understood, and travelling through its frozen wilderness involved considerable danger.
Bertelsen and fellow painter Achton Friis accompanied the expedition as artists, producing drawings and paintings that documented the extraordinary landscape.
The conditions were exceptionally challenging. Temperatures could fall so low that Bertelsen's brushes froze against the canvas, making even the simple act of painting difficult. Yet he continued working, recording the Arctic scenery with an artist's attention to light, colour and atmosphere.
The expedition ended in tragedy for three of its members. Mylius-Erichsen, Niels Peter Høeg Hagen and Jørgen Brønlund died during a surveying journey in 1907.
Bertelsen returned to Denmark in 1908, bringing with him an important collection of Arctic paintings and drawings.
These works were exhibited in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense in 1908, followed by Berlin and other German cities in 1909. In 1910, they were presented at the Royal Geographical Society in London, which acquired two of his Greenland paintings.
In recognition of his contributions, a glacier and a headland in Greenland were subsequently named after him.
Public Collections
Bertelsen's works are recorded in the following collections:
- Randers Art Museum, Denmark.
- Ribe's museum collections, Denmark.
- Bornholm's museum collections, Rønne, Denmark.
- Aabenraa's museum collections, Denmark.
- National Museum of Denmark.
- Maritime Museum at Kronborg, Denmark.
- Royal Geographical Society, London, England.
The Royal Geographical Society acquired two works from his Greenland expedition.
Timeline
1873
Born on 28 September in Næstved, Denmark, to landscape painter Rudolf Vilhelm Valdemar Bertelsen and Agnes Mette Lundstein.
Childhood
Received his earliest artistic instruction from his father and L. A. Ring, a close friend of the family.
1891-1896
Studied at Kristian Zahrtmann's painting school.
1893
Exhibited at an exhibition of Zahrtmann's pupils.
1897
Travelled to Italy with Zahrtmann, visiting Florence and Siena.
1899-1903
Exhibited at the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition.
1899-1900
Travelled in Germany, France and elsewhere in Europe.
1904
Became associated with Den Frie Udstilling (The Free Exhibition), an important independent Danish artists' exhibition society.
1906-1908
Participated in the Denmark Expedition to northeastern Greenland, producing paintings and drawings of the Arctic landscape.
1908
His Greenland works were exhibited alongside those of Achton Friis in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense. Awarded the Danish Silver Medal of Merit.
1909
The Greenland paintings were exhibited in Berlin and other German cities. Married Karen Dorothea Schmidt in Copenhagen on 3 August.
1910
His Greenland works were exhibited at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Also exhibited alongside his father at Kunstforeningen in Copenhagen.
1912
Birth of his son, Erik Bertelsen.
1913
Travelled to Italy, visiting Venice, Rome and Naples, and spending two months in Civita d'Antino.
1915
Painted Trees, a work recorded in the collection at Ribe.
1917
Painted Winter Day, recorded in the collection at Aabenraa.
1924
Founded Kunst for Varer (Art for Goods), an organisation he chaired until his death.
1932
Received a Diploma di Merito in Rome.
1945
Died on 9 September in Copenhagen, aged 71. Buried in Birkerød.
1946
A memorial exhibition was held at Den Frie Udstilling.