Heinrich Hansen
The interior of the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome, 1874
Oil on canvas, 40 x 33 cm.
Inventory number: 0085NMK
Acquired before 1904. Bestowed to the museum in 1908
In this architectural study of the interior of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Heinrich Hansen not only captures the architectural characteristics of the church and convent, but also the varying inflow of light and its effect on the area. A monk has just entered the grandiose church, while two women can also be seen praying in front of an altar in a small side chapel. The artist has carefully portrayed the sunshine pouring through the windows and illuminating the small side chapel and two women in prayer. The warm light works as a balanced counterweight to the dark entrance in which the monk finds himself. This harmonious relationship between cold and warm shades is reflected in the tranquil and contemplative state of both the hooded monk and church-goers.
Heinrich Hansen (1821-1890)
Heinrich Hansen was the first Danish artist who exclusively specialised in architectural painting. In this painting, the artist sought to reproduce the great hall at Frederiksborg Castle as it looked under the reign of the Danish King Christian IV. Several staffages in Renaissance-period clothes are included to emphasise the historical framework of the painting. In the same year the painting was completed, a great fire destroyed large parts of the interior of the King’s Oratory, The Rose and Great Hall. The interior details from the artist’s architectural studies were particularly useful in the subsequent reconstruction efforts.
