Landscape near Blokhus, Jutland 1848

Martinus Rørbye painted this oil on canvas of the landscape near Blokhus in Jutland. Rørbye was a central figure in the Danish Golden Age, a period of intense national romanticism, and landscape painting played a key role in defining Danish identity. Produced during the first half of the 19th century, this work reflects the cultural and political climate of Denmark at the time. Following the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark experienced a surge in national sentiment and a renewed focus on its cultural heritage. Artists like Rørbye contributed to this movement by depicting the Danish landscape as a symbol of national pride and identity. The Danish Royal Academy played a crucial role in shaping artistic production, promoting a style that celebrated local scenery. Rørbye’s painting engages with these institutional values. By studying the artistic trends, political events, and cultural values of 19th-century Denmark, we can gain a deeper understanding of how art is shaped by its context and contributes to the construction of national identity.