Three Golden Age paintings are a wonderful Christmas present for Kalundborg Museum and Museum Vestsjælland
With a really nice donation from the Bent O. Jørgensen Foundation and support from the Danish Palaces and Culture Agency, Museum Vestsjælland has increased its collection of Golden Age art with as many as three works by Johan Thomas Lundbye:Cows in the open field. Rainy day", "Møllebakken at Kallundborg" and "Bay at Kallundborg Fjord by Asnæs Skov”. Johan Thomas Lundbye (1818-1848) was born and raised in Kalundborg, and he found many of his motifs in the area. The paintings are not just works of art – they are part of Kalundborg's history and self-understanding.
The three paintings were acquired at auction at Bruun-Rasmussen on Monday 2 December.
An artistic and cultural historical treasure
Lundbye, one of the most renowned painters of the Golden Age, was known for his ability to capture the essence of the Danish landscape. The three paintings are excellent examples of his style and vision.
The significance for Museum Vestsjælland
With 17 works by Lundbye in its current collection, the museum has a strong connection to the artist's legacy. The three new paintings will add a new depth and wholeness to the collection. They all have solid provenance and especially the two paintings with Møllebakken and Kalundborg Fjord also have great cultural-historical and topographical significance. Their motifs are directly linked to the museum's geographical area of responsibility, and they tell stories about landscapes and life in 1800th-century Kalundborg.
Museum director Eskil Vagn Olsen is enthusiastic “Acquiring these works means much more than simply expanding a collection. It provides the opportunity to tell new stories about Kalundborg's cultural heritage and place Lundbye's art in a local and national context – we are deeply grateful to the Bent O. Jørgensen Foundation – without the generous support from a foundation like theirs, the paintings would never have come home to Kalundborg. A big thank you must also be given to the Palace and the Danish Agency for Culture for their grant and to the Lundbye Committee in Kalundborg and other local forces who have supported the museum's work with the acquisition of the works".
A contribution to research and communication
The three paintings also open up new research opportunities. By studying the works, you can gain insight into Lundbye's work process and the golden age aesthetics that continue to shape our view of the Danish landscape. The exhibition of these works will make it possible to engage the audience in discussions about how the art of the past affects today's understanding of nature and culture.
By acquiring these three paintings, Museum Vestsjælland will be able to present an even stronger and more coherent exhibition of Lundbye's works. This will create a valuable attraction for both locals and visitors, strengthen Kalundborg's identity as Lundbye's birthplace and support the continued marking of Lundbye's importance to Danish art.
The paintings are generally in good condition, but need to be checked by a conservator. After that, we have to ensure the right exhibition facilities in terms of safety and climate. When it is in place, the plan is to exhibit the three paintings at Kalundborg Museum - preferably during the spring of 2025.
Contact
Museum director Eskil Vagn Olsen tel. 41379256– evo@vestmuseum.dk
Communication and arts manager, Britta Tøndborg tel. 24248008 – brt@vestmuseum.dk
