A Meeting in the Royal Danish Academy, P.S. Krøyer, 1897

A Meeting in the Royal Danish Academy by P.S. Krøyer is a monumental group portrait of Denmark’s scientific community at the end of the 19th century. Completed in 1897, the painting brings 49 scholars together in one of the largest and most ambitious works of Krøyer’s career.

Why this historical Danish art print stands out

• Depicts 49 members of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters
• Professor Japetus Steenstrup addresses the assembled scholars
• Includes leading Danish scientists from numerous academic disciplines
• A detailed interior scene with strong historical and scientific associations
• Printed in the USA on premium 200 gsm matte paper
• Produced using FSC-certified paper
• Available in five sizes
• Made when ordered to reduce unnecessary production
• Typical US delivery: 2–5 business days
• Frame is not included

A portrait of Danish science

Krøyer began work on the painting in 1896 and completed it the following year. The scene depicts a meeting of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters in Prinsens Palæ, now home to the National Museum of Denmark.

The Academy’s oldest member, zoologist Japetus Steenstrup, stands near the centre with chalk in his hand and one finger raised. Around him sit prominent Danish scholars from fields including medicine, astronomy, linguistics, chemistry and history. Among them are physiologist Christian Bohr, botanist Eugenius Warming, chemist Johan Kjeldahl and brewer and scientist Emil Christian Hansen.

Krøyer arranged the many individual portraits around the speaker while preserving the feeling of a meeting in progress. Papers, books, chairs and subdued interior colours support the serious atmosphere without drawing attention away from the faces.

The Carlsberg Foundation commissioned the painting, which measures more than five metres across. It now hangs in the Foundation’s building in Copenhagen, where the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters has been based since 1899.

“The meeting symbolises community and unity in science, despite the members’ very different academic backgrounds.”

Source: Lex, Denmark’s National Encyclopedia (translated from Danish).

Explore more Danish art prints, or compare this scholarly gathering with Krøyer’s lively Hip, Hip, Hurrah! Artists’ Party at Skagen.

Artwork facts

FAQ

What does the painting depict?

It shows 49 members of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters attending a meeting in Copenhagen.

Who is speaking in the painting?

The central speaker is zoologist and professor Japetus Steenstrup, who was the Academy’s oldest member at the time.

Was the painting created in 1896 or 1897?

Krøyer began the project in 1896 and completed the finished painting in 1897.

Where is the original painting?

The original hangs in the Carlsberg Foundation’s building on H.C. Andersens Boulevard in Copenhagen.

Is the frame included?

No. The poster is supplied unframed, allowing you to choose a frame that suits your interior.

Where is the poster printed?

It is printed in the USA and made when ordered. Typical US delivery is 2–5 business days.