This splendid early 20th-century oil painting by Danish artist Harald Erhard-Hansen (1875-1950) depicts the Audience Hall at Frederiksborg Castle, Copenhagen. Erhard-Hansen was an accomplished painter of architecture, landscapes and still lifes.

Completed in 1688, the Audience Hall is the oldest preserved Baroque interior in Denmark. It was decorated by Christian V’s master builder, Lambert van Haven, and combines both Renaissance and Baroque influences. It’s an elaborate celebration of regal proportions - a tribute to the King. Portraits by court painter Jacob d'Agar (1640-1715) adorn the walls, along with scenes from the Scanian War. Miraculously, it survived an intense fire in 1859.

Born in Copenhagen, Erhard-Hansen lived within walking distance of Frederiksborg Castle. His father was the opera singer, Jørgen Peter Ludvig Erhard-Hansen, and he was raised in Hillerød. Little is known of his early years but it’s conceivable that, given its proximity, he sketched the castle during childhood to hone his draughtsmanship.

He trained initially at a drawing school operated by Sophus and Gustav Vermehren, which provided the foundation for his enrollment at the eminent Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. The Vermehrens worked in the image of their father, Frederik Vermehren (1823-1910), an artist raised in the Golden Age tradition.

Following a travel scholarship, Erhard-Hansen undertook study trips to Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland - later to Latvia, Greece, Egypt, Palestine and Turkey. Travel was integral to his development as a painter, particularly his exposure to a diverse range of architecture. It’s evident that he possessed a keen interest in the progression of building styles.

Here, in this work from 1931, he’s respectfully captured the extensive detail with careful observation - the light is also handled particularly well. The interior is much the same today and discussed in the book 'Audienssalen på Frederiksborg Slot'.

Erhard-Hansen spent his later years living at Frederiksborg Slotssogn, with his wife, Agnes - returning to paint this noble environment on numerous occasions.

Signed and held in a contemporary frame.

Learn more about Harald Erhard-Hansen in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 25½” x 23” / 65cm x 59cm
Year of creation: 1931
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on the reverse: “Conseil Salon (Council Chamber), Frederiksborg Slot, H Erhard-Hansen, 1931”.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Cleaned. Craquelure in areas. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV1981