Who painted Københavns havn set fra Larsens Plads?

Københavns havn set fra Larsens Plads was painted by Unknown in 1777.

Where can I see Københavns havn set fra Larsens Plads?

Københavns havn set fra Larsens Plads is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Københavns havn set fra Larsens Plads

Københavns havn set fra Larsens Plads is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1777 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1777, the work titled “Københavns havn set fra Larsens Plads” depicts a bustling Copenhagen harbor as seen from the waterfront promenade. The image, now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, captures a lively scene of ships, city architecture, and figures engaged in daily activity along the quay.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a crowded port with towering vessels moored beside the urban skyline. Figures in period attire populate the foreground, suggesting commerce, travel, and social interaction typical of an 18th‑century maritime hub. The dramatic sky and interplay of light hint at the transitory nature of trade and the city’s connection to the sea.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, juxtaposing deep shadows with illuminated areas to give the scene a three‑dimensional vigor. This contrast accentuates the forms of the ships, buildings, and human figures, while the cloud‑filled sky adds atmospheric depth, reinforcing the sense of movement and activity.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the anonymous creator recorded as “720_person,” the piece dates to the late 1770s, a period of significant growth for Copenhagen’s harbor. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains a documented example of Danish maritime representation from the era.