Viggo Christian Frederik Vilhelm Pedersen (March 11, 1854 – April 19, 1926) was a Danishlandscape painter who also explored religious, portrait, and domestic art. Known for his vibrant style and rich color palette, Pedersen's works reflect a profound connection to nature and tradition, while embracing modern techniques. He was the son of Vilhelm Pedersen and the brother of Thorolf Pedersen.[1][2][3][4]
He began his artistic training under his father before studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1871 to 1878. While at the Academy, he was mentored by P.C. Skovgaard and Janus la Cour, and his early works exhibited their influence. Pedersen's first major recognition came in 1877 when he received the Sødring Prize for his painting Outside a Brewery.
Career
Pedersen traveled extensively throughout his career, visiting Germany (1873), Paris (1881), Italy, Switzerland, and Holland. These journeys, particularly his time in Paris, exposed him to modern French landscape art, which significantly influenced his style. Works like A Rutted Path under Old Trees (1882), acquired by the Statens Museum for Kunst, and Sunshine in the Living Room (1888) demonstrate the impact of these experiences.
In 1890, Pedersen's painting At the Approach of Night earned him the prestigious Annual Medal. He later joined the Free Exhibition, becoming a prominent contributor from 1891, and was elected to the Royal Danish Academy's plenary assembly in 1904, serving on its council from 1908 to 1911.
He exhibited in Paris in 1889 and 1900 at the Universal Exhibition.[5]
Personal life
Pedersen married twice. His first marriage, in 1884, was to Elisabeth Bella Marie Borup, with whom he had three sons: Christen Jul Viggo Pedersen, an instructor; Stefan Viggo Pedersen, a painter and illustrator; and Johannes Viggo Pedersen, a pianist and organist. His daughter, Ruth Sora Viggo Pedersen, died young. After Elisabeth's death in 1905, he married Johanne Louise Aagaard in 1906.
Artistic style
Primarily a landscape painter, Pedersen's works are characterized by their vibrant colors and atmospheric depth. He painted rural scenes, domestic interiors, and biblical compositions, including The Annunciation and Isaac Sees Rebecca Approaching, the latter noted for its grandeur and originality.
In his later years, Pedersen produced numerous works inspired by the landscapes of Zealand and Italy, such as The Angel and the Women at the Tomb of Christ. His paintings often balance naturalistic detail with a poetic sensibility, drawing comparisons to Golden Age ideals.
^Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Gauguin : Impressionists and Post-Impressionists from the Israel Museum, Jerusalem : [exhibition, Ishøj], Arken Museum of Modern Art, 31 January-7 June 2009. ISBN9786691142335.
^Impressioni e realtà : il sogno scandinavo da Barbizona Civita d'Antino = Impressions and reality : the Scandinavian dream from Barbizon to civita d'Antino : [Permanent exhibition Imago Museum Pescara] / a cura di Marco Nocca - [Nicola Mattoscio].
