Dannebrog. The Flag That Fell from the Sky: The Golden Age of Danish Art

The catalogue accompanies the exhibition Dannebrog – the Flag That Fell from the Sky: The Golden Age of Danish Art at the Kadriorg Art Museum (15.06.–13.10.2019). 15. A significant historical event for Estonia and Denmark will be commemorated on 15 June 2019: the Battle of Lyndanisse, which for Estonia means that Tallinn was mentioned for the first time in written sources and, for Denmark, marks the legendary moment of the birth of the Dannebrog, the national flag. The exhibition at the Kadriorg Art Museum will open with a programme of formal events marking the 800th anniversary of the Dannebrog. The exhibition is taking place in cooperation with the National Gallery of Denmark.

This is the first time that such a comprehensive exhibition of the Golden Age of Danish Art is being held in Estonia. It includes several works that are very renowned in Denmark and most of which are part of the permanent exhibition at the National Gallery of Denmark. Traditionally, the Golden Age of Danish Art is defined as a period from the beginning to the middle of the 19th century, which for the country as a whole was one of the most difficult times: in the course of several wars, colonies and territories in Norway, northern Germany and elsewhere were lost. At that same time, a powerful process of national self-determination was underway, in which art played an extremely important role. The paintings produced by the masters of the Danish Golden Age defined the most significant points of contact for the people: nature, humanity and the castles, fortresses and other monuments related to the glorious periods of Danish history. And for artists, light became the most important factor, especially bright, crystal-clear light that created a feeling of joy and festivity.

The National Gallery of Denmark is one of the most influential museums in Denmark and among the most significant art museums in Europe. The museum’s collection is based on Denmark’s Royal Art Collection, which has been consistently and intensively supplemented since the museum was founded in 1896.