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          • Nicolai Abildgaard
          • Most Popular Paintings
          the collector's folio

          Nicolai Abildgaard Most Popular Paintings

          The 25 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

          Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
          Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Nicolai Abildgaard · 1743 – 1809

          The Midwife Taking Leave of the Girl from Andros (from Terence's Andria ), Nicolai Abildgaard

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #1: The Midwife Taking Leave of the Girl from Andros (from Terence's Andria )
          1801 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Abildgaard’s "Midwife Taking Leave" – a dramatic Baroque oil painting of Roman life. Explore this classical scene's narrative, light & shadow, and meticulous detail.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 1 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$25629 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

          Hamlet Delivering a Letter Written by Himself to the Queen of Scotland by Nicolai Abildgaard, 1776

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #2: Hamlet Delivering a Letter Written by Himself to the Queen of Scotland
          1776 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 255 x 257 cm

          Nicolai Abildgaard’s monumental ‘Hamlet Delivering a Letter’ captures a dramatic Neoclassical scene from Shakespeare’s Hamlet with Romantic fervor. This 1776 oil on canvas showcases Prince Hamlet’s courage and determination, a timeless masterpiece to own.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 2 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

          Culmin's Ghost Appears to his Mother – hand-painted oil reproduction by Nicolai Abildgaard

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #3: Culmin's Ghost Appears to his Mother
          1794 · Nationalmuseum, Stockholm · original 62 x 78 cm

          Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard was a Danish neoclassical painter known for exploring themes of love and loss.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 3 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18133 × 30 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$29878 × 62 cm Commission at original size

          The Greek Poet Sappho and the Girl from Mytilene by Nicolai Abildgaard, 1809

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #4: The Greek Poet Sappho and the Girl from Mytilene
          1809 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Admire Nicolai Abildgaard's masterpiece 'The Greek Poet Sappho and the Girl from Mytilene,' a stunning neoclassical painting capturing intimacy and beauty. Explore its rich colors, detailed figures & symbolism at Statens Museum for Kunst.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 4 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

          Nicolai Abildgaard: The Wounded Philoctetes

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #5: The Wounded Philoctetes
          1775 · National Gallery of Denmark, Copenhagen · original 175 x 123 cm

          Explore Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard’s monumental Romantic masterpiece, ‘The Wounded Philoctetes,’ capturing profound pain and classical influence through dramatic chiaroscuro and symbolic references.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 5 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18138 × 27 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$799175 × 123 cm Commission at original size

          Nature Untamed

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #6: Nature Untamed
          1784 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          This artwork is available in various sizes and frames to elevate your home décor. Order yours today!

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 6 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18132 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

          Fingal Sees the Ghosts of his Forefathers by Moonlight

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #7: Fingal Sees the Ghosts of his Forefathers by Moonlight
          1782 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 61 x 49 cm

          Nicolai Abildgaard's "Fingal Sees the Ghosts of his Forefathers" captures a mystical scene under moonlight, blending Romanticism with classical elements – a haunting and evocative Danish masterpiece.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 7 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18135 × 28 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$24261 × 49 cm Commission at original size

          The Doctor's Wife Reveals Her Husband's Intention of Anatomising Niels Klim – hand-painted oil reproduction by Nicolai Abildgaard

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #8: The Doctor's Wife Reveals Her Husband's Intention of Anatomising Niels Klim
          1787 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Nicolai Abildgaard's 'The Doctor’s Wife Reveals Her Husband’s Intention' depicts a mysterious scene with skulls and figures, showcasing Neoclassical artistry & Romantic symbolism.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 8 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

          Hamlet and His Mother by Nicolai Abildgaard, 1778

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #9: Hamlet and His Mother
          1778 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Nicolai Abildgaard's "Hamlet and His Mother" captures a poignant scene of familial tension and royal intrigue, showcasing Shakespearean drama with masterful detail.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 9 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

          Frederik II Builds Kronberg Castle at Elsinore by Nicolai Abildgaard, 1781

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #10: Frederik II Builds Kronberg Castle at Elsinore
          1781 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Nicolai Abildgaard's "Frederik II Builds Kronberg Castle" captures a historic moment with royal figures and architectural grandeur, showcasing Danish neoclassical art.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 10 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18125 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

          The Finding of the Infant Moses, Nicolai Abildgaard

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #11: The Finding of the Infant Moses
          Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Nicolai Abildgaard's "Finding of Moses" depicts the infant’s rescue from the Nile, showcasing neoclassical artistry with dramatic lighting and figures. A timeless biblical scene rendered in grayscale.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 11 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$28137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

          Christian I Elevates Holstein to a Duchy in 1474 (1778)

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #12: Christian I Elevates Holstein to a Duchy in 1474
          1778 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 308 x 197 cm

          Explore Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard's masterpiece 'Christian I Elevates Holstein to a Duchy,' a monumental neoclassical painting depicting Danish royal history and mythology at Statens Museum for Kunst.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 12 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18125 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

          Ismene and Antogone Plead with Theseus – hand-painted oil reproduction by Nicolai Abildgaard

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #13: Ismene and Antogone Plead with Theseus
          1799 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Witness the poignant plea of Ismene and Antigone before Theseus! Nicolai Abildgaard’s masterpiece captures dramatic emotion & timeless themes of loyalty, justice, and sisterhood in a stunning oil painting reproduction.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 13 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18135 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

          The Greek Poet Anacreon and Bathyll (1808)

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #14: The Greek Poet Anacreon and Bathyll
          1808 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Nicolai Abildgaard's 'The Greek Poet Anacreon and Bathyll' captures a romantic scene of poetry & love. This 1808 painting showcases neoclassical beauty with rich detail.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 14 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

          The Dying Messalina and Her Mother by Nicolai Abildgaard

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #15: The Dying Messalina and Her Mother
          1797 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

          Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard's "The Dying Messalina and Her Mother" portrays Roman goddess Messalina succumbing to illness, attended by her mother Agrippina before a stately building. Explore Neoclassical Romanticism through this iconic masterpiece.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 15 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

          Julia and Fulvia – hand-painted oil reproduction by Nicolai Abildgaard

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #16: Julia and Fulvia
          1803 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 47.7 x 48.2cm

          This dramatic Neoclassical oil painting by Nicolai Abildgaard captures a tense struggle. Discover the power of this masterpiece today.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 16 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$20632 × 31 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$24648 × 48 cm Commission at original size

          Kulturens herredømme

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #17: Kulturens herredømme
          1796 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 29.5 x 29.5cm

          This dramatic monochromatic allegory by Nicolai Abildgaard captures a mythological struggle. Explore this powerful masterpiece today.

          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 17 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$23131 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

          Apollo charging the Parcae to visit Ceres, who has fled from the Earth

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #18: Apollo charging the Parcae to visit Ceres, who has fled from the Earth
          1809 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 47.5 x 48.0cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 18 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$25631 × 32 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$29548 × 48 cm Commission at original size

          Christian IV Aboard his Flagship "The Trinity", 1782, Nicolai Abildgaard

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #19: Christian IV Aboard his Flagship "The Trinity"
          1782 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 61.0 x 37.0cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 19 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$35625 × 40 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$39537 × 61 cm Commission at original size

          Christian III Succouring Denmark (1780)

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #20: Christian III Succouring Denmark
          1780 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 61.5 x 37.0cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 20 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$30625 × 40 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$34537 × 62 cm Commission at original size

          Christian I Raising the Province of Holstein to the State of a Duchy in 1460 – hand-painted oil reproduction

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #21: Christian I Raising the Province of Holstein to the State of a Duchy in 1460
          1778 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 60.5 x 38.0cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 21 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$48125 × 40 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$52138 × 61 cm Commission at original size

          The Construction of Copenhagen´s Dock in the Reign of Christian VI

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #22: The Construction of Copenhagen´s Dock in the Reign of Christian VI
          1786 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 61.5 x 37.0cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 22 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$28125 × 40 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$32037 × 62 cm Commission at original size

          Nicolai Abildgaard, Hierarchy at its Peak at the time of the Crusades (1784)

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #23: Hierarchy at its Peak at the time of the Crusades
          1784 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 29.5 x 29.5cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 23 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$20631 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

          Nicolai Abildgaard, Christian V Presents Danish Law 1683 (1784)

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #24: Christian V Presents Danish Law 1683
          1784 · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen · original 61.0 x 46.7cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 24 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$30624 × 41 cm Commission this artwork
          Same size as the original$36347 × 61 cm Commission at original size

          Cupid Playing the Lyre. (1782)

          View the most popular artwork of Nicolai Abildgaard ranked #25: Cupid Playing the Lyre.
          1782 · Thorvaldsen Museum, Copenhagen · original 28.5 x 23.4cm
          Technique
          Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
          Made
          To order, by a trained painter
          Popularity
          No. 25 of 106 artworks by Nicolai Abildgaard
          Delivery
          Worldwide, about 5 weeks
          from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
          The artist

          Nicolai Abildgaard

          1743 – 1809

          Portrait of Nicolai Abildgaard
          Quick facts
          • Top 3 worksThe Midwife Taking Leave of the Girl from Andros (from Terence's Andria ), Hamlet Delivering a Letter Written by Himself to the Queen of Scotland, Culmin's Ghost Appears to his Mother
          • Color intensitymonochromatic, balanced
          • Viberomantic, dramatic
          • Movementsneoclassical romanticism
          • Born1743, Copenhagen, Denmark
          • Emotional tonemelancholic
          • Works on APS106
          • Copyright statusPublic domain
          Biography

          Early Life and Artistic Foundations

          Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard, born in Copenhagen on September 11th, 1743, emerged from a family deeply immersed in the world of art and scholarship. His father, Søren Abildgaard, was a respected antiquarian draughtsman, instilling in young Nicolai an early appreciation for classical forms and meticulous observation. This familial influence proved foundational as Abildgaard embarked on his artistic journey, receiving initial training with a local painting master before formally enrolling at the New Royal Danish Academy of Art in 1764. His talent quickly became apparent; from 1764 to 1767, he consistently earned accolades and medallions recognizing his burgeoning skill. These early successes culminated in a travel stipend awarded in 1767 – a pivotal opportunity that would shape the course of his artistic development, though it was five years before he could finally utilize it. During these formative years at the Academy, Abildgaard benefited from the tutelage of Johan Edvard Mandelberg and Johannes Wiedewelt, absorbing their techniques and perspectives while simultaneously forging his own unique path.

          The Roman Awakening: A Shift in Perspective

          In 1772, Nicolai Abildgaard finally realized his long-awaited dream of traveling to Rome. This five-year sojourn proved transformative, marking a crucial turning point in his artistic evolution. Immersed in the heart of classical antiquity, he dedicated himself to studying not only sculpture but also architecture, decoration, and the magnificent frescoes adorning Palazzo Farnese. A visit to Naples in 1776 with fellow artist Jens Juel further broadened his horizons. Rome wasn’t merely a place for technical study; it was an intellectual awakening. Abildgaard delved into history painting, seeking to master its complexities and narrative power. He drew inspiration from the masters – Annibale Carracci, Raphael, Titian, and Michelangelo – absorbing their compositional strategies, dramatic use of light, and profound understanding of human anatomy. However, his exposure wasn’t limited to strict classicism. The influence of artists like Johan Tobias Sergel and Johann Heinrich Füssli began to subtly shift his aesthetic sensibilities, introducing a nascent Romantic sensibility into his work. Simultaneously, Abildgaard cultivated a deep appreciation for literature, finding inspiration in the works of Shakespeare, Homer, and Ossian – narratives that would later permeate his canvases with layers of meaning and emotional resonance.

          Royal Commissions and National Narratives

          Returning to Copenhagen in December 1777, Abildgaard was immediately recognized as a rising star. He swiftly secured a professorship at the Academy in 1778 and soon after, around 1780, ascended to the prestigious position of royal historical painter. This appointment brought with it a monumental commission from the Danish government: to create a series of paintings depicting the history of Denmark for the Knights' Room (Riddersal) at Christiansborg Palace. This project became the defining undertaking of his career. These weren’t simply historical illustrations; they were carefully constructed narratives designed to glorify the monarchy and instill a sense of national pride. Abildgaard masterfully combined accurate historical depictions with allegorical elements and mythological references, creating visually stunning and intellectually stimulating compositions. He also collaborated with Johan Edvard Mandelberg on decorative schemes for Fredensborg Palace, further solidifying his position as Denmark’s leading artistic figure.

          A Synthesis of Styles: Neoclassicism and Romanticism

          Nicolai Abildgaard's artistic style represents a fascinating synthesis of Neoclassical rigor and emerging Romantic sensibilities. While grounded in the principles of classical composition, clarity, and anatomical accuracy, his works are infused with dramatic lighting, rich color palettes, and meticulous attention to detail that hint at a deeper emotional undercurrent. Notable paintings such as “Christian I Elevates Holstein to a Duchy in 1474” exemplify this blend – a stately historical scene rendered with classical precision yet imbued with a sense of grandeur and theatricality. Other works, like the haunting “The Nightmare,” demonstrate his willingness to explore darker psychological themes, foreshadowing the full-blown Romanticism that would soon dominate European art. His exploration extended beyond history painting; "Culmin's Ghost Appears to his Mother" showcases his skill in portraying supernatural events with dramatic intensity, while pieces like “The Wounded Philoctetes” reveal a sensitivity to human suffering and vulnerability. He wasn’t merely replicating historical or mythological scenes; he was interpreting them through the lens of his own artistic vision, imbuing them with layers of symbolic meaning accessible to a refined audience. His pictorial allegory became a hallmark of his style, using symbols as visual shorthand for complex ideas and emotions.

          Legacy and Enduring Influence

          Abildgaard served as director of the Academy during 1789–1791 and again from 1801 until his death in Copenhagen on November 14th, 1809. Throughout his career, he nurtured a generation of talented artists, including Asmus Jacob Carstens, Bertel Thorvaldsen, J. L. Lund, and perhaps most significantly, Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg. Eckersberg, often hailed as the “father of Danish painting,” would lay the foundation for the Golden Age of Danish Painting, building upon the principles Abildgaard had instilled in him. Abildgaard’s influence extended beyond his direct students; he fundamentally shaped the artistic landscape of Denmark, bridging the gap between Neoclassicism and Romanticism. His work not only reflected the cultural values of his time but also anticipated future artistic trends, contributing significantly to the development of Nordic Romanticism and leaving an indelible mark on Danish art history. He remains a pivotal figure in understanding the transition from Enlightenment ideals to the emotional intensity of the 19th century.

          Questions & Answers

          In which historical period did Nicolai Abildgaard work?

          Nicolai Abildgaard worked in the Early-Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

          What colors did Nicolai Abildgaard use most often?

          The Palette Genome of Nicolai Abildgaard is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

          Can I visit a virtual museum of Nicolai Abildgaard's works?

          The 3D Museum of Nicolai Abildgaard is a page that displays the artist's artworks in a virtual three-dimensional gallery.

          By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 2, 2026
          Collector's quiz
          1. In what city was Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard born?

          2. From 1772 to 1777, Abildgaard studied in which city, significantly influencing his artistic development?

          3. Abildgaard's style blended Neoclassical elements with influences from what emerging movement?

          4. What significant commission did Abildgaard receive from the Danish government around 1780?

          5. Which prominent Danish sculptor was a student of Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard?

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