Niels Simonsen

Niels Simonsen (1807-1885) was a Danish sculptor and painter, best known for his battle paintings. He started drawing at the Academy of Fine Arts at the age of 14 and later received private lessons from the history painter JL Lund. After winning the silver medal in 1828, he turned to sculpture and was commissioned as a modeller. In 1829 he won the large silver medal for a model figure and later that year the smaller gold medal for the relief "Christ heals the sick", which can still be seen in Charlottenborg's gate. After struggling with financial difficulties, Simonsen decided to switch from sculpture to painting and quickly became successful. In 1833 he exhibited two works, "A lying wounded warrior" and "A miser in his home", where both were sold and brought him recognition and monetary prizes from the Academy. Later he painted diligently and sold several works, including the altarpiece "Christus with disciples in Emmaus" and "Scene in Our Lady's Church at the Introduction of Thorvaldsen's Christus in Marble".