Press release -
H.C. Andersen was Denmark’s first photo celebrity – now you can see why
Most people know the fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen through books and film – but fewer may be aware that in the 19th century he was Denmark’s most photographed celebrity. Now the public will have the opportunity to view and acquire these rare images when Bruun Rasmussen offers original portraits and early reprints of the photographs at auction on 15 September.
In the early days of photography, H.C. Andersen was captured around 214 times, and he himself expressed his enthusiasm for the new technology with the words: “Oh, our age is the Golden Age of Inventions.” A devoted user of the medium, Andersen often gave away his photographic portraits in the form of carte de visite, usually bearing his signature and a short greeting on the reverse.
The photographs offered at auction come from the Danish Museum of Photography, which since 1984 has built up the country’s second largest photo collection. The museum’s history is remarkable in itself: the dream of a national museum of photography was realized by dedicated enthusiasts who managed to preserve a vital part of Denmark’s photographic heritage. However, the lack of financial support eventually led to the museum’s closure, and around 60 historical photographs of H.C. Andersen are now being sold at auction, along with a selection of the museum’s other curious works.
“The photographs of Andersen offer an intimate yet also staged portrait of the writer, who was a master of crafting vivid imagery – both in words and in his own visual self-presentation. At the same time, they tell an important story about photography as a medium in Denmark,” says Ralph Lexner, Head of Decorative Arts at Bruun Rasmussen.
The photographs provide an opportunity to encounter H.C. Andersen as seen through the eyes of his contemporaries, while also allowing collectors and other enthusiasts the rare chance to acquire a piece of Denmark’s cultural heritage.
The online auction will be held at Bruun Rasmussen on 15 September. Ahead of the sale, the photographs will be on view at Nørgaardsvej 3 in Lyngby, but bidding is already open online.
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Bruun Rasmussen has since 1948 sold art, design, jewellery, wristwatches, antiques and collectibles such as wine, books, coins and stamps. As the leading auction house in Denmark, we sell over 75,000 items every year at our Online Auctions at bruun-rasmussen.dk and at Live Auctions at our auction house in Lyngby.
Our specialists are the most experienced and competent in the industry. The work in the auction house places great demands on our knowledge of art and trends on the market. This way, we can provide valuations and advice of the highest quality – which has become our trademark – and thereby offer the best lots from all categories and achieve high hammer prices for the benefit of our customers.
At Bruun Rasmussen, we are one of Europe's most modern and digital auction houses, and it is only natural for us to adapt to changes in the market. Innovation is part of our DNA, while we are also deeply rooted in our history.
In 2022, after having been family-owned through three generations, we became part of the international “Bonhams Network”, expanding our global reach and access to specialists all over the world. We strategically present and sell art where it makes the most sense in relation to potential buyers.
