Thirty-seven works by Frits Thaulow reside within the collection of the National Gallery of Norway, marking his significant role in the development of the Norwegian art scene. An impressionist painter and printmaker, he engaged with shifting aesthetic values throughout the late nineteenth century, transitioning from maritime subjects to rural landscapes across Norway and France.
Early Education and Influences
Born in Christiania in 1847 to chemist Harald Conrad Thaulow and Nicoline Louise Munch, he received formal training at the Academy of Art in Copenhagen from 1870 until 1872. He further developed his technique between 1873 and 1875 while studying under Hans Gude at the Baden School of Art in Karlsruhe.
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In 1879, he traveled to Skagen, Denmark, alongside Christian Krohg, focusing his efforts on marine scenes featuring local fishermen. Upon returning to Norway in 1880, he emerged as a central figure in the national artistic community. He helped establish the inaugural National Art Exhibit in 1882, known as the Høstutstillingen, and frequently painted at Åsgårdstrand.
Life and Work in France
He relocated to France in 1892, where he resided for the remainder of his life. During this period, he became associated with figures such as Charles Conder and Aubrey Beardsley.
Honors and Legacy
His contributions to the visual arts earned him several international decorations, including the French Legion of Honour, the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, and the Order of Glory. In 1905, he was appointed commander of the 2nd Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav. He died in 1906 in Volendam, The Netherlands, with his works appearing in institutions such as the Hermitage Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Fast facts
- Born: 1847, Christiania
- Died: 1906, Volendam
- Movement: Impressionism
- Notable Works: Winter in Norway, A January Day in Norway, Shadows
- Spouses: Ingeborg Charlotte Gad, Alexandra Lasson
- Key Honors: Officer of the Legion of Honour, Commander of the Order of St. Olav
- Professions: painter, printmaker, landscape painter
Questions readers ask
Where did Frits Thaulow live in France?
He lived in various locations between 1892 and 1906, specifically Montreuil-sur-Mer, Dieppe, Quimperle, and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne.
What specific organizations held his art?
His work is displayed in the National Gallery of Norway, the Hermitage Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard University.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of St. Olav
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
- Order of Glory
- Notable work: Winter in Norway
- Notable work: A January Day in Norway
- Notable work: Shadows
- Movement: Impressionism
