Gold treasures from the danish golden age

With the exhibition 'GOLD - Treasures from the Danish Golden Age', ARoS expands the view of the Danish Golden Age. Danish Golden Age art (from around 1800-1850) is often portrayed as a nostalgic golden age characterised by bourgeois peace, idyll and harmony despite the wars, economic crises and political turbulence of the period. But there are other, less polished stories about the Golden Age. Based on a number of masterpieces of the time, it demonstrates how artists experimented, went against tradition, showed artistic courage and curiosity.

Golden Age masterpieces are known as beautiful maritime views, neat bourgeois portraits and unspoilt Italian sights from the artists' travels. But there are other, less polished stories of the Golden Age. Stories of a changing Denmark and Europe with wars, economic crisis and political turbulence.

Based on a number of masterpieces from artists of the time, the exhibition conveys the influence that the scientific and technological discoveries and political environment of the time had on the Golden Age artists and their subjects. Many of the artists, writers, scientists and politicians of the time knew each other, and in the interaction between these groups, exciting exchanges took place. Art, politics and science reflected each other and new elements emerged and found their way to the drawing board.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a large, richly illustrated and research-based publication.