Automatic translation from Danish.

Christian Mølsted (1862-1939). 'Tordenskjold's Landing in Marstrand on 24 July 1719'. Oil on canvas. Sign. and dated: 'Chr. Mölsted 1921'. 117 x 158 (148 x 190 cm.)

Literature: Rikard Magnussen. 'Chr. Mølsted'. Levin & Munkgaards Forlag 1935. Pages 68-70.

Together with artists such as C.W. Eckersberg and Anton Melbye, Christian Mølsted is known as one of Denmark's greatest marine painters. Already from an early age, Mølsted showed an interest in marine painting, and he started in 1880 at the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen with professors Carl Bloch and Frederik Vermehren as his primary teachers. Mølsted completed his education at the Academy of Fine Arts in 1885, after which he painted with great success for both private collectors and public institutions, e.g. Frederiksborg Museum in Hillerød.
In several series of paintings, Mølsted combined his talent for maritime depictions with his great interest in older Danish history. It was in particular the great Danish historical naval battles that interested Mølsted - not least from the Great Nordic War and the Napoleonic Wars.
The present painting depicts in a dramatic way Tordenskjold's landing in the fortress town of Marstrand on 24 July 1719 with Tordenskjold himself in the front - an event, which really cemented Tordenskjold's reputation as both strategist and naval hero. Prior to completing the work, Mølsted carried out a number of sketches and detailed studies - i.a. a small picture which today belongs to Museum Amager and hangs daily in Mølsted's old studio in Dragør.