Christian III Succouring Denmark 1780 - 1781

"Christian III Succouring Denmark" was painted by Nicolai Abildgaard using oil on canvas. Oil paint is made from pigment, suspended in a drying oil – usually linseed. This allows the artist to build up layers of color, creating the illusion of depth and texture. Notice how Abildgaard uses the smooth quality of the oil paint to depict the soft skin of the allegorical figures, contrasting this with the hard gleam of Christian's armor. Consider too, the labor involved in a painting like this. From grinding and mixing the pigments, stretching the canvas, and applying each layer of paint, a work like this was a huge undertaking, and a testament to the skill of the artist. By considering the materials and process, we can appreciate Abildgaard's painting not just as a historical representation, but also as an object of skilled craft and artistry.