15 October 2022 – 10 April 2023
The exhibition Ancher – In Life and Art presents many of the numerous treasures – hidden and forgotten – which have come to light during a review of the artists’ home in Skagen performed over the past eight years coupled with the new narratives emerging from that. This exhibition will shed new light on how life and art was interlinked in the Ancher family.
Among the items on display in the exhibition are: the copper kettle from Michael Ancher’s breakthrough work Pigen med solsikkerne (Girl with Sunflowers), his wedding ring, Anna Ancher’s painter’s smock, her diploma from the World Exhibition in 1900, the couple’s work sketches, photos, letters, Helga Ancher’s drawing books and book collection, as well as the print of the Virgin Mary seen in Anna Ancher’s famous Solskin i den blå stue (Sunlight in the Blue Room).
New narratives
Ancher – In Life and Art shows links between objects and works of art, prompting more narratives about the Ancher family. The process from sketches to finished paintings is traced, elaborated in the letters concerning their sale and, in turn, loans with a view to showing them. Like a jigsaw puzzle, the painter’s smock, pochade box, and easel suddenly make a complete picture. Finally, the exhibition provides new perspectives on the otherwise reticent Helga Ancher. Practically the only existing material about her is biographical, but a peep into her hidey-holes reveals a person who cared about animals, was well-informed internationally, and acutely aware of her own heritage.
Treasures and works of art are presented in a vivid scenography, where children and adults alike can explore the works of art, peep shows, unique objects, and photos.
Among the items on display in the exhibition are:
We would like to thank the following foundations for their generous financial support to help realise this project:
Queen Margrethe’s and Prince Henrik’s Foundation
The New Carlsberg Foundation
Thanks are also due to the following enterprises which have supported the project with sponsorships:
Bygholm Wood
Linolie & Pigment
Skagerak
Finally, warm words of thanks to the main sponsor of the Art Museums of Skagen: SKAGEN Fondene
Video (select subtitles in English): The restoration of the set Anna Ancher wore for Michael Ancher’s 75th birthday. The set is featured in the exhibition.
Video (select subtitles in English):The restoration of Bindesbøll’s kerosene lamps from Anchers Hus. Both lamps are featured in the exhibition.
