The Most Terrible Night, C.A. Lorentzen, 1807–1808

A dramatic Copenhagen art print depicting one of the darkest nights in Danish history. C.A. Lorentzen’s The Most Terrible Night shows Kongens Nytorv during the final night of the British bombardment of Copenhagen in September 1807. Flames, rockets and frightened civilians turn the familiar city square into a powerful historical scene.

• Historic Copenhagen artwork by Danish painter C.A. Lorentzen
• Depicts Kongens Nytorv during the bombardment of 4–5 September 1807
• Printed on premium 200 gsm matte paper
• Available in five sizes from 30 × 40 cm to 70 × 100 cm
• Made when ordered and produced locally where possible
• A distinctive wall print for admirers of Danish history, Copenhagen and Scandinavian art

The night Copenhagen burned

British forces bombarded Copenhagen from 2 to 5 September 1807 after Denmark refused to surrender its fleet. Mortars, artillery shells, heated shot and rockets were fired into the city over three nights. Fires spread through densely built neighbourhoods, and Copenhagen eventually surrendered.

Lorentzen chose Kongens Nytorv during the night of 4–5 September as his subject. People flee or gather in the square while fire illuminates the buildings and sky. The painting records a military attack through the experience of the city and its inhabitants.

The artist completed the work in 1807–1808, shortly after the bombardment. The original is an oil painting measuring 63 × 78.5 cm and belongs to the National Gallery of Denmark. Its museum title is Den rædsomste Nat: Kongens Nytorv under bombardementet natten mellem 4. og 5. september 1807. Further information about the painting and its historical setting can be found in Nationalmuseum’s presentation of the Danish Golden Age.

“der havde været Ild i Kiøbenhavn om Natten.”

About the original artwork

Print quality and available sizes

The artwork is reproduced on smooth, non-reflective matte paper that preserves the scene’s dark tones, burning sky and architectural details.

• Paper: Premium 200 gsm matte paper
• Surface: Smooth and non-reflective
• Paper standard: FSC-certified or equivalent
• Sizes: 30 × 40 cm, 40 × 50 cm, 50 × 70 cm, 60 × 90 cm and 70 × 100 cm
• Inches: 12 × 16″, 16 × 20″, 20 × 28″, 24 × 36″ and 28 × 40″
• Production: Made when ordered and printed close to the delivery destination where possible
• Delivery: Typically 2–5 business days

Danish history for the wall

This print works especially well in a study, library, office or living room where its deep colours and detailed narrative can be viewed closely. It is also a thoughtful gift for someone interested in Copenhagen, the Napoleonic Wars or Danish cultural history.

Explore more works in our collection of Danish art prints, or continue into nineteenth-century Copenhagen with Christen Købke’s View from the Lakes, Copenhagen.

Frequently asked questions

What does the painting show?

It depicts Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen during the night of 4–5 September 1807, the final night of the British bombardment of the city.

Who was C.A. Lorentzen?

Christian August Lorentzen was a Danish painter known for portraits, landscapes and dramatic historical subjects. He painted this scene shortly after the event it portrays.

Which sizes are available?

The poster is available in 30 × 40 cm, 40 × 50 cm, 50 × 70 cm, 60 × 90 cm and 70 × 100 cm.

Is a frame included?

The available variants are poster sizes, so a frame is not included. Frames shown in interior photographs are styling examples.

How quickly will the poster arrive?

Delivery typically takes 2–5 business days. The poster is produced locally where possible, helping reduce unnecessary transport.