Nanna Levison Paintings

Nanna Levison was a Danish art historian, museum director, and resistance fighter during World War II. Born in 1920 in Denmark, Levison's early life was characterized by the cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen. Despite the challenges of the time, especially the German occupation of Denmark during the war, she managed to carve out a significant role for herself in both the academic and cultural spheres.

Levison's involvement in the Danish resistance movement during World War II was a defining part of her life. As a young woman, she took part in underground activities to undermine the Nazi regime, demonstrating her commitment to freedom and cultural preservation. After the war, Levison turned her focus more directly to the study and promotion of the arts.

In her career as an art historian, Nanna Levison specialized in medieval art, particularly that of the Nordic countries. Her scholarship was influential in bringing greater attention to the art and iconography of this period and region. Levison's expertise led her to a prominent role in the Danish arts community, where she worked tirelessly to preserve and understand the artistic heritage of her country.

Levison's contributions to the field were recognized through her appointment as the director of the Danish Museum of Decorative Art (now the Designmuseum Danmark) in 1972, a position she held until 1985. Under her leadership, the museum became an important center for the study and exhibition of design and decorative arts. Her tenure at the museum was marked by her efforts to modernize the institution and make it more accessible to the public.

After retiring from her position at the museum, Levison remained an active figure in the art community, continuing her research and participating in various cultural initiatives until her death in 1999. Her legacy is one of dedication to the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage, as well as the promotion of the arts as a cornerstone of society.