ORB Online EncyclopediaDanish Church Art
The Life of Jesus to Age 12
James Mills
This topic, and this period, provides a large number of wall paintings to be considered. In this selection, there are examples of four workshops painting the same theme. All are found on, or near, the island of Zealand in eastern Denmark. Two are named after the church in which their work was first discovered, Kongsted and Elmelunde, one after the district north and just slightly west of Copenhagen, the Isefjord, and the fourth, the Union Workshop, so called because they worked in both Denmark, and what is now southern Sweden. The Union Workshop painted the church in Undeloese, and because there is a reference to St. Birgitta of Sweden in the painting, the full painting, and two detail paintings are shown.
In the images found in Danmarks kirker, there are a number of items listed after 1600. These have been included to show that the Lutheran Church continued the use of religious sculpture after the Reformation in 1535.
KIRKE STILLINGE c.1400. (M-K 14-128). Nativity, South chapel, north arch, left. Left, Joseph, with nimbus, back to Nativity, holds rosary in hand. BVM, with nimbus, looks at empty manger. Heads of ox and ass behind manger. Shed has shingled roof.
KONGSTED c.1430. Kongsted Workshop. (M-K 15-093). Nativity. Sect 2, west arch, left. Left, angel, with nimbus, kneeling, scroll, text, in left hand. Aue Maria gracia plena dominus tecum. BVM, with nimbus, sits at desk with book, right hand raised shoulder high, scroll from mouth, text. Ecce ancilla domini fiat michi secundum verbum tuum. Right, Nativity. Left, Child, with cross nimbus, nude, lies in radiance in manger, Star above. Center, BVM, with nimbus, hands shoulder high, palms facing, kneeling. Right, Joseph, with nimbus, facing away towards heads of ox and ass.
REERSLEV c.1450. Isefjord Workshop. (M-K 20-001). Nativity. Sect 1, north arch. Left, Joseph sits before fire, fire screen in right hand, spoon stirring pot in left hand. Center, BVM, with nimbus, hands shoulder high, palms facing, kneeling before Child. Child, with cross nimbus, right hand raised, palm facing BVM, left, hands by side. In background, Christmas hut with shingled roof, uprights supporting roof, curtains on rods, manger with heads of ox and donkey.
UNDLOESE c.1460. Union Workshop. (M-K 27-051). Nativity. Sect 2, north arch. Left, Joseph, head on hand, sits before manger with heads of ox and donkey in background. Center left, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneeling, shoes beside on carpet. Center, Child, with cross nimbus, nude, lies in radiance. Right, St. Birgitta, clad as pilgrim, sees Nativity in vision.
UNDLOESE c.1460. Union Workshop. (M-K 27-052). Nativity. Sect 2, north arch, left detail. Nativity.
UNDLOESE c.1460. Union Workshop. (M-K 27-053). St. Birgitta. Sect 2, north arch, right detail.
HJEMBAEK. c.1475. (M-K 11-083). Nativity, Sect 1, west arch. Building seems to be in form of church, Star above tile roof, scroll above roof. Absque dolore paris, virgo maria maris. Left, midwife. Center, BVM, with nimbus and unbound hair, hands, palms together, in prayer. Child, with cross nimbus, nude on rug. Right, two angels hold cloth to shield Child. In shed, heads of ox and ass.
ELMELUNDE. c.1480. Elmelunde. (M-K 07-059). Nativity. Sect 1, west arch. left, Joseph sits on high backed chair, spoon to mouth, fire screen in hand, knapsack hanging on one support of nativity shed, water bottle on another, before large pot on fire. The nativity shed is a roof supported by four pillars, small steeple surmounted by cross, Star above. BVM, with nimbus, kneels, palms together, in worship. Child, nude, with cross nimbus, lies on coffin shaped manger, right hand extended towards BVM. Ass and ox seen behind manger. Wattle fence forms front and one side of nativity shed.
BRARUP c.1500. Brarup. (M-K 04-081). Nativity. North wall, right side, detail. Nativity, set in structure under frame, Star shown between structure and frame. Left, Joseph, kneels in prayer, palms together. BVM, crowned, with nimbus, kneels in prayer, palms together, before nude Infant lying in radiance.
LOENBORG. 1525-50. (M-K 20-061). Nativity. Left, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneeling. Center, Child, nude, lies in fold of BVM's robe. Right, Joseph kneels, candle in right hand. Far right, donkey and ox eat from manger.
SULSTED c.1548. Hans Maler (M-K 23-026). Nativity. Sect 3, north arch. Left, building and wattle fence. Center, Star above Christmas hut, BVM, with nimbus, hands at breast, kneeling. Child, with nimbus, nude, lies on fold of BVM's cloak. Right, Joseph. Back of Child, manger with heads of ox and donkey. Text below. her er bud af engelen til hiorderne og her er vor heriss foessel ii betlehem.
If you would like to look at the images listed below, go to Axel Bolvig's collection of wall painting at the University of Copenhagen at http://kalk.historie.ku.dk Go to the Kirkeindex, select the name of the church with the wall painting, and browse through the wall paintings in the church until you see the one you want.
BRARUP c.1500. Brarup. 04-078. Mixed themes. North wall, right side, top row. Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, bottom row, woman riding devil, Last Supper. All these pictures are set in ornamented frames resembling buildings.
GISLEV. c.1520. 09-066. Nativity. Sect 2, north arch. Lower left Joseph sleeps, facing left, back to BVM and Child. Left, Christmas hut and ox. Left center, Child, nude, lies in radiance. Above Child, donkey. Upper left, two angels hold drapes that fall down behind Christmas hut and BVM and Child. Right, BVM, crowned, with nimbus and long unbound hair, hands, palms together in prayer, kneeling before Child.
FANEFJORD. c.1480. Elmelunde. 08-026. Nativity. North nave, west arch. Left, BVM, with nimbus, kneels, palms together. Center, Child, with cross nimbus, nude, lies on board on trestles, right hand held towards BVM, ass and ox with heads close to Child above board. Right, Joseph, facing BVM and Child, pot in right hand, spoon in left, eats, seated on a stool. Star above Child, below roof of Christmas hut. Christmas hut shown with three posts, shingled roof, door left, and wattle wall.
KELDBY. c.1480. Elmelunde Workshop.14-047. Nativity. Sect 1, west arch, left. Left, Joseph sits on stool, fire screen in left hand, spoon at mouth in right, before pot on fire. Above, water bottle hangs on peg in shed support. Shed is supported by three posts, has shingle roof, flags on three poles, Star above, wattle fence in front. Center, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneels. Child, with cross nimbus, nude, lies in movable manger, right, ox and two donkeys.
KIRKE STILLINGE c.1400.14-127. Nativity. South chapel, north arch. Nativity and Visitation. Described fully below.
MOERKOEV. c.1450. Isefjord Workshop. 17-037. Nativity. Sect 1, north arch. Left, Joseph, in travel clothes, chin on hand as if tired. Center, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneels. Center right, Child, with nimbus, nude, lies in radiance, head towards BVM. Hut has shingle roof supported by poles. Right, head of ox and ass seen over manger. Floor covered with carpet.
MOERKOEV. c.1450. Isefjord Workshop. 17-083. Nativity. South chapel, south arch, left. Left, BVM, with nimbus, sits in bed, supported by pillows, holding Child. Child, with cross nimbus, in swaddling clothes. Curtains behind
MOERKOEV. c.1450. Isefjord Workshop. 17-084. Nativity. South chapel, south arch, right. Left, BVM and Child. Center, servant with pitcher and basket. Upper right, angel, with scroll, text. Luke 2, 14.
OVER DRAABY c.1450. Isefjord Workshop. 19-059. Nativity. Sect 2, west arch. Far left, Joseph holds cloth before fire. Left, buildings. Center, BVM, with nimbus, hands flat against breast, kneels before Child. Child, with cross nimbus, nude, right hand palm towards BVM, left hand at side, nude, lies in radiance. In background, manger showing heads of ox and donkey.
SKAMSTRUP c.1480. Isefjord Workshop. 21-042. Nativity, Annunciation and Visitation. North arch. Nativity series. Top row. Left, Annunciation. Left, angel, with nimbus, scroll, text illegible. Right, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneels. Center, Visitation. Left, BVM, with nimbus, right hand touching left hand of Elizabeth. Right, building. right, Nativity. Left, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneeling. Center, Child, with cross nimbus, nude, in radiance, appears kneeling. In background, buildings and manger with heads of ox and donkey. Bottom row, Magi visit Herod. Framed in arches, heads of angels between arches.
SKIVEHOLM c.1490. 21-122. Nativity. Sect 1, west arch, right. Left, Christmas hut with ox, donkey and manger inside. Center, Christ, with nimbus, nude, lies in radiance. Center right, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneels. Right, Joseph, back towards to BVM and Child, sits, staff in hand.
SAEBY, VENDSYSSEL c.1500. 23-102. Nativity. Sect 3, north wall. Fourth arch. Poor condition. Last Supper. Christ, with cross nimbus, John E., within right arm, table set with knives, pitcher, cups and possibly fish. Judas without nimbus, other disciples with nimbi. Fifth arch. Entry into Jerusalem. Christ, with cross nimbus, right hand pointing, rides donkey. Sixth arch. Annunciation. Left, angel, with nimbus and empty scroll. Right, BVM, hands held high, palms out. Far right, book on table. Seventh arch. Nativity. BVM, with nimbus, sitting in bed, holds Child. Child, with cross nimbus, nude, left hand outstretched to Joseph. Right, Joseph, left hand to head, right hand resting on bed. Far right, heads of ox and donkey behind manger. Eighth arch. Adoration of the Magi. Poor condition. Left, Joseph, with nimbus. BVM, crowned, with nimbus, holds Child. Child, with cross nimbus, nude, standing on lap of BVM, hands outstretched. Right figures of Magi.
SAEBY, VENDSYSSEL c.1500. 23-108. Nativity. Sect 3, north wall, seventh arch. Detail.
SOENDERSOE c.1520. 24-032. Nativity. South arch. Left, Christmas shed with ox and donkey behind manger. Center left, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneels. Center, Child, with cross nimbus, nude, lies in radiance. Above Child, two angels, scroll, text. Gloria excelsis. Right, Joseph, hands waist high, palms facing, kneeling. Far right, buildings of Bethlehem.
TINGSTED c.1480. Elmelunde Workshop. 25-034. Nativity. Choir, west arch. Nativity. Left, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneels. Center, Child, with cross nimbus, lies on manger, right hand extended towards BVM. Right, donkey, far right, Joseph dressed as traveler. To rear of BVM and Child, the Christmas shed, cross atop and Star above roof.
TUSE c.1450. Isefjord Workshop. 25-090. Nativity. Sect 1, north arch, left. Left, Joseph, sits, travel staff in left hand, spoon in right, tending food cooking in three legged pot. Center left, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, shoes on carpet beside her, kneeling. Center, Child, with cross nimbus, right hand extended to BVM, lies in radiance. In background, left, wattle fence, Christmas hut with curtains hanging on rods, shingle roof, steeple with Star atop, ox and donkey within. Right, Annunciation to the Shepherds. Left, shepherd, stocking hanging down showing bare thighs, left hand raised head high, palm out, club in left hand. Right, shepherd playing bagpipe. Above, angel with scroll, text. Gloria in excelsis deo.
TUSE c.1450. Isefjord Workshop. 25-091. Nativity. Sect 1, north arch, left. Detail. Nativity.
VORDINGBORG c.1470. 29-043. Nativity. Sect 1, east arch. Left, BVM, with nimbus, hands, palms together, in prayer, kneeling. Center, Child, with cross nimbus, nude, lies in radiance. In background, the Christmas hut with manger and heads of ox and donkey.
AAGERUP c.1500. 31-019. Nativity. Sect 2, west arch, center. Left, BVM. Right, Joseph with heads of ox and donkey
Images found in Danmarks kirker
Aa, VII-168, 21. Nativity, Wood sculpture, pulpit. c.1615. By Jacob Kremberg from Skaane. Similar to Vellinge and Vester Sallerup in Skaane.
Alsoenderup, II-1453. Nativity, cast, bell. Width across mouth, 93cm. 1458. By Jens Petersen from SIagelse.
Amisse, II-1372, 7, 8. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1425. In National Museum.
Aversi, VI-601. Nativity, wood sculpture. 1520. Possibly by the Naestved Crucifix workshop.
Baarse, VI-864. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1450. In National Museum.
Birket, VIII-644. Nativity, painted wood, reredos. c.1525. In National Museum.
Brarup, VIII-1254, 13, 14. Nativity, painted wood, reredos. c.1450. Similar to Vaalse.
Copenhagen, St. Nicolai, I, Vol.1-532, 55-57. Nativity, embroidery, chasuble. c.1650.
Copenhagen, St. Ansgar, I, Vol. 5-434. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1500. In Aasebakken.
Floeng, III-727. Nativity, painted wood, altar panel. c.1600.
Frederiksborg Castle chapel, oratory. II-1889, 142-7. Nativity, embossed metal, reredos. c.1600. From Augsburg.
Frederiksborg Castle chapel, oratory. II-1889, 142-7. Nativity, embossed metal, reredos. c.1600. From Augsburg.
Frederiksborg Castle chapel, II-1816, 25. Nativity, 1648.
Froeslev, VI-45. Nativity, painted wood, collection plate. 1400-1550.
Ganloese, II-2463, 11, 12, 14. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit. 1624. By Hans Holst from Koege and Copenhagen. Similar to Koege.
Gyrstinge, V-390. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1300. In Saxos Celle.
Hasle, VII-80, 9. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit. c.1600.
Helsingoer, St. Olai, 11-148, 62 and p.116. Nativity, embroidery, chasuble. 1560. By a Dutch workshop
Hoejerup, VI-366, 10. Nativity, wood sculpture. 1400-50.
Horbelev, VIII-1438, 7. Nativity, wood sculpture, reredos. 1450-75.
Kippinge, VIII-1230. Nativity, wood sculpture, c.1635. By Joergen Ringnis. Similar to Noerre Vedby.
Koege, St. Nicolai, III-208, 31-37. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit. 1624. By Hans Holst from Koege.
Kongsted, VI-536, 5. Nativity, painted wood, reredos. 1600. By Bertil from Vordingborg.
Lynge, V-296, 3. Nativity, wood sculpture. 1400-1550.
Majboelle, VIII-978. Nativity, cast bell. c.1621. By Hans Have from Stralsund..
Munke-Bjaergby, V-374, 6. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1475. In Saxos Celle.
Noerre Vedby, VIII-1177. Nativity, wood sculpture, c.1450-75. Probably from North Germany.
Nykirke, VII-216, 13. Nativity, wood sculpture, panels in pulpit. c.1610. By the Henrik Ringerinck Workshop in Flensborg.
Oppe Sundby, II-2294, 11. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1425. In National Museum.
Sakskoebing, VIII-142, 13. Nativity, wood sculpture, reredos. c.1500. North German, possibly from Luebeck
Skelskoer, V-253, 15. Nativity, wood sculpture. 1450-1500.
Sludstrup, V-696, 5. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1475.
Soeborg, II-1130, 34. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1500.
Sonnerup, III-898, 11. Nativity, engraved plate, chalice. 1500-25.
Stokkemarke, VIII-465. Nativity, sculpture, gravestone. c.1640.
Svaerdborg, VI-828. Nativity, wood sculpture. 1517. In Naestved Museum.
Vaalse, VIII-1208, 6. Nativity, wood sculpture, c.1450. Similar to Brarup
Vaalse, VIII-1211, 8. Nativity, wood sculpture, c.1631. By Joergen Ringnis. Similar to Nakskov.
Vor Frue Kloster at Aasebakken, 11-973, 1. Nativity, wood sculpture. c.1500.
Vordingborg, VI-184. Nativity, wood sculpture, panel. c.1600. By Henrik Ringering's Workshop in Flensborg. In Vordingborg Museum.
Aal, XIX-1322, 22-48. Nativity, wood sculpture, c.1450. By the Lueneburg workshop.
Aal, XX-1322, 44-58. Nativity, wood sculpture . c.1450. By the Lueneburg workshop
Aarhus Cathedral, XVI-489, 265, 276. Nativity, painted wood, reredos. c.1479.
Aarhus Cathedral, XVI-489, 265, 276. Nativity, painted wood, reredos. c.1479.
Arrild, XII-1274, 4. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1600. Toender style, similar to Skaerbaek.
Ballum, XII-1412, 14. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1600. Toender style.
Bested, XII-563, 8. Nativity, wood sculpture, reredos. c.1638. Similar to Oester Nykirke and Vester Nykirke.
Bov, XXII-2036, 12, 13. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1626. By the Ringerinck workshop and similar to Tinglev, Kliplev in Denmark and Friedrichstadt in South Slesvig.
Brede, XXI-1494. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1612. Toender style by Laurids the Woodcarver.
Broager, XXIII-2317, 35, 36. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1591. In the East Flensborg style similar to Flensborg St. John's church and Soenderborg.
Burkal, XXI-1637. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.1600-20. Toender style.
Daler, XII-1346, 10, 11. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1606. Of Luebeck workmanship. Influenced by Marten de Vos.
Doestrup, XII-1514. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1601. In the Toender style, similar to Emmerlev and Hoejst.
Dybboel, XXIII-2216, 17. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1620. By Henrik Ringerinck from Flensborg
Egen, XXIII-2531, 16. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit. c.1600. By Henrik Ringerinck from Flensborg, similar to Eggebeck and Munkbrarup in Kr. Flensborg. Influenced by Albr. Duerer.
Fole, XX-821, 2.. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1627.
Hagenbjaerg, XXIII-2578, 21. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1625.
Hoejst, XXI-1580. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1603. Similar to Ballum and Doestrup, in the Toender style.
Kliplev, XXII-1989, 15, 19. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1610. By Henrik Ringerinck from Flensborg
Kollerup, XII-104, 6. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1599. An Aalborg style pulpit copied with rustic workmanship.
Kvaers, XXII-1958, 12, 13. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1600.
Loegum klosterkirke, XXI-1096, 28-33. Nativity, painted wood, altar panel c.1325. Similar to Rieseby in Kr. Eckernforde, in National Museum. Oldest painted altar panel in Denmark.
Mjolden, XXI-1452, 10, 12. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1609. Toender style by Laurids the Woodcarver, similar to Brede, Roager, and Randerup.
Moegeltoender, XXI-1310, 8. Nativity, wood sculpture c. 1400-1550.
Noerre Loegum, XXI-1535. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1648. Similar to Toftlund, Hellevad, and Bedsted.
Nyboel, XXM-2278. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1608. By Henrik Ringerinck similar to Soenderborg and Dybboel.
Randerup, XXI-1466. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1611. Toender style, Similar to Mjolden.
Rejsby, XXI-1161, 3. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1612. Similar to Hygum.
Ribe, St. Katrine, XIX-794, 101. Nativity, stone sculpture, gravestone. c. 1633.
Roager, XXI-1178, 6, 9, 10. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1607. By the same artist as Mjolden, Randerup, and Brede.
Soenderborg Castle chapel, XXIII-2136. 7. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1620. By Niels Tagsen. Resurrection (after Albr. Duerer copperplate of Passion).
Tinglev, XXII-1652, 7, 10. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1614. West Flensborg style, by Henrik Ringerinck, similar to Kliplev, Bov, Soender Loegum, and Klixbull in Kr. Sudtondern.
Toender Kristkirke, XXI-966, 18, Nativity, wood sculpture, font cover. c.1619. By a woodcarver from Toender.
Toender Kristkirke, XXI-967, 20, 21. Nativity, wood sculpture, pulpit.c.1586. Similar to Flensborg by Henrik Mattes from Luebeck. from Luebeck. rom Luebeck.
