Axel Theofilus Helsted (1847-1907) stands as a fascinating figure in late 19th-century Danish art and culture. A man of diverse talents, he distinguished himself not only as a painter of considerable skill and varied subject matter but also as a gifted composer. His life and work offer a window into the artistic currents of Denmark during a period of transition, as the echoes of the Danish Golden Age gave way to new influences from across Europe. Helsted navigated this landscape with a unique blend of academic training, personal sensibility, and an engagement with both the grand traditions of art and the everyday life that surrounded him.
Early Life and Artistic Formation
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Axel Theofilus Helsted was immersed in an environment rich with artistic and musical inclinations from a young age. His father, Carl Adolph Helsted (1818-1904), was a respected composer and singing teacher, and his uncle, Edvard Helsted, was also a composer and violinist. This familial background undoubtedly nurtured Axel's own musical talents, which he would cultivate alongside his passion for the visual arts. The Helsted household would have been a place where discussions of art, music, and culture were commonplace, providing a fertile ground for the young Axel's burgeoning creativity.
His formal artistic training was rigorous and international. A pivotal moment in his development came when he traveled to Paris to study under the tutelage of Léon Bonnat (1833-1922). Bonnat was a highly influential figure in French academic art, renowned for his powerful portraits and historical paintings, and his atelier attracted students from across the globe, including notable figures like Thomas Eakins, Gustave Caillebotte, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (though Lautrec's later style diverged significantly). Under Bonnat, Helsted would have honed his skills in draftsmanship, anatomical accuracy, and the structured composition characteristic of the academic tradition. This Parisian experience was crucial in shaping his technical proficiency and his understanding of the prevailing artistic standards of the time.
Helsted's artistic education was not confined to Paris. He also spent significant periods working and studying in England and Italy. These travels would have exposed him to a wider range of artistic influences, from the narrative traditions of British painting to the classical and Renaissance masterpieces of Italy. His time in Italy, a traditional destination for aspiring artists, would have allowed him to study ancient ruins, Renaissance frescoes, and the vibrant contemporary Italian art scene. This exposure to diverse cultural landscapes and artistic heritages enriched his visual vocabulary and broadened his thematic interests.
Helsted the Painter: Style, Themes, and Influences
Axel Theofilus Helsted's painterly output was characterized by its diversity in subject matter and a style that, while rooted in academic principles, often incorporated a distinct sense of narrative, humor, or drama. He was a versatile artist, comfortable tackling religious subjects, biblical scenes, genre paintings, portraits, and landscapes.
His connection to the Danish artistic tradition is evident, particularly in his genre scenes. He is often associated with figures like Vilhelm Rosenstand (1838-1915), who was considered one of the last prominent representatives of the Danish school of painting that specialized in humorous or dramatic genre scenes, a tradition that had earlier roots in the work of artists like Wilhelm Marstrand. Helsted's paintings often told a story, capturing moments of everyday life with an observant eye for detail and human interaction. These works could range from lighthearted depictions to more poignant or theatrical moments, showcasing his ability to convey a range of human emotions.
Religious and biblical themes also formed a significant part of Helsted's oeuvre. He produced a substantial body of work in this vein, creating paintings that were noted for their rich quality and thoughtful interpretation of sacred narratives. In an era when religious painting was perhaps less dominant than in previous centuries, Helsted continued this tradition, bringing his academic skill and personal sensibility to these enduring subjects. His approach likely blended the gravitas expected of such themes with a humanizing touch, making the figures and stories accessible to his audience.
Portraiture was another area where Helsted excelled. His training under Bonnat, a master portraitist, would have provided a strong foundation. He is known to have painted portraits of notable individuals, such as the depiction of Godseier J. Hage, demonstrating his capacity to capture not only a likeness but also the character of his sitters.
His travels also inspired landscape paintings, such as the "Italian coastal scene with mother and her children," which reflects his time spent in Italy and his ability to capture the light and atmosphere of different locales. These works often combined picturesque scenery with human elements, adding a narrative layer to the depiction of place.
Technical Mastery in Painting
A hallmark of Helsted's artistic practice was his meticulous approach to technique. His paintings were often the result of careful planning and execution, reflecting the discipline instilled by his academic training. Sources indicate that his process typically began with detailed line drawings. He was known for his ability to draw with fluency and precision, laying down the foundational structure of his compositions with a confident hand.
The application of color was an equally deliberate and painstaking process. It is said that Helsted would often reject numerous preliminary line sketches before committing to the color stage. Once he began painting, he would build up the colors gradually, applying thousands of brushstrokes to achieve the desired depth, luminosity, and texture. This layering technique, common in academic painting, allowed for subtle gradations of tone and a rich, enameled surface quality.
His pursuit of an idealized visual effect was evident in his work. While his genre scenes might depict everyday life, there was often a refinement and a careful arrangement that elevated the subject beyond mere reportage. This commitment to a polished finish and a harmonious composition was a characteristic of the academic tradition in which he was trained. Even if some critics might have found his work occasionally leaning towards the overly idealized, it was a conscious artistic choice, reflecting his dedication to achieving a particular aesthetic standard. His ability to quickly execute fluid lines contrasted with the more time-consuming process of coloring, underscoring his dual strengths in draftsmanship and painterly application.
Key Works and Their Significance
Several of Axel Theofilus Helsted's works have garnered particular attention and illustrate the breadth of his artistic endeavors.
"Feeding the Baby": This charming genre scene is notable for its inclusion in "What Do You See? A Child's First Introduction to Art Volume 1," a book designed for children aged 4 to 12. Its selection for such a publication speaks to the accessibility and gentle appeal of Helsted's work, particularly his depictions of domestic life and childhood. The painting likely captures a tender moment with warmth and observational detail, making it relatable and engaging for a young audience.
"Italian coastal scene with a mother and her children" (1876): This oil painting is a testament to Helsted's travels and his skill in landscape and figurative work. Depicting a serene moment on the Italian coast, it combines the beauty of the natural setting with a touching human element. The work's value is also indicated by its performance at auction, where it reportedly fetched £24,000, signifying its appeal to collectors. Such scenes were popular in the 19th century, evoking the allure of Italy and the idyllic aspects of family life.
"The City Council in Session": This painting holds particular historical and cultural significance. It was purchased by the Jewish merchant Marcus Nordheim and subsequently donated to the Kunsthalle Hamburg, one of Germany's most important art museums. The acquisition and donation of this work by a prominent collector and its inclusion in a major public collection underscore its artistic merit and contemporary recognition. The subject matter itself—a city council in session—suggests a depiction of civic life and governance, a theme that would have resonated with the urban bourgeoisie of the time. The presence of this Danish artist's work in a major German museum also highlights the international connections within the art world. Alfred Lichtwark, the influential director of the Kunsthalle Hamburg from 1886, was instrumental in modernizing the museum's collection and promoting contemporary art, including Impressionism, and fostering connections with Danish artists.
"Paris' Dom" (The Judgement of Paris) (1885): This work, an oil painting measuring 57 x 82 cm, tackles a classical mythological subject. "The Judgement of Paris" is a famous story from Greek mythology that has been depicted by countless artists throughout history, including masters like Peter Paul Rubens and Lucas Cranach the Elder. Helsted's interpretation would have been his contribution to this long artistic tradition. Its exhibition at the prestigious Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition in Copenhagen in 1885 indicates its importance within the Danish art scene. The Charlottenborg exhibitions were the main venue for contemporary Danish artists to showcase their work.
Beyond these specific examples, Helsted's oeuvre included numerous other religious paintings, portraits, and genre scenes that contributed to his reputation as a skilled and versatile artist. His dedication to biblical narratives, in particular, provided a consistent thread throughout his career.
Helsted the Musician
Parallel to his career as a painter, Axel Theofilus Helsted was also an accomplished musician and composer, a talent undoubtedly nurtured by his family background. His father, Carl Helsted, was a notable figure in Danish musical life, and this environment provided a strong foundation for Axel's own musical pursuits.
While perhaps not as widely known as his paintings during his lifetime, Axel Helsted's musical compositions were described as numerous and beautiful. He composed works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and voice. One specific orchestral piece mentioned is "Idyllic" in F major, suggesting a work of a pastoral or serene character. The fact that he composed across different musical forms indicates a serious engagement with music theory and practice.
The dual talents of painter and musician, while not unique in art history (one might think of figures like Arnold Schoenberg, who was also a painter, or even earlier polymaths of the Renaissance), are always noteworthy. It suggests a mind attuned to different forms of artistic expression, capable of translating ideas and emotions into both visual and auditory mediums. For Helsted, music and painting may have offered complementary outlets for his creative energies.
Life, Character, and Societal Engagement
Axel Theofilus Helsted was described by contemporaries as a gentle and modest individual. This personal demeanor might seem at odds with the sometimes dramatic or humorous nature of his paintings, or the public life of an artist exhibiting in Paris and Copenhagen. However, it perhaps speaks to a quiet dedication to his craft.
Despite his modest nature, Helsted was not detached from the intellectual and social currents of his time. During his stay in Rome, a vibrant hub for international artists and writers, he is known to have engaged in lively discussions with cultural figures such as the Danish author and cultural critic Anton Thiele (1838-1902). These debates often revolved around the role of art in society, a pertinent topic in an era of significant social and political change. Such interactions indicate an artist who was thoughtful about the purpose and impact of his work beyond its aesthetic qualities.
A curious and somewhat dramatic episode in his life occurred during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). While in France, Helsted, as a neutral Danish citizen, was reportedly detained. He was eventually released, but the incident highlights the precariousness of life for foreign nationals during times of conflict and adds an unexpected biographical detail to the life of this otherwise unassuming artist.
His family life, with its strong artistic and musical leanings, clearly played a significant role in shaping him. The shared interests with his father and brother (also a musician) would have provided a supportive and stimulating environment.
Context and Contemporaries: Helsted in the Danish and European Art World
To fully appreciate Axel Theofilus Helsted's contributions, it is essential to place him within the broader context of Danish and European art of the late 19th century. He was working in the decades following the Danish Golden Age, a period (roughly the first half of the 19th century) that saw an extraordinary flourishing of Danish painting, with artists like Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg (often called the father of Danish painting), Christen Købke, Martinus Rørbye, Wilhelm Bendz, Constantin Hansen, P.C. Skovgaard, and Johan Thomas Lundbye creating works that defined a national artistic identity.
By Helsted's time, Danish art was increasingly open to international influences, particularly from France and Germany. The academic tradition, exemplified by his teacher Léon Bonnat in Paris, remained powerful, emphasizing technical skill, historical subjects, and a polished finish. Other prominent French academic painters of the era included Jean-Léon Gérôme and William-Adolphe Bouguereau, whose works were widely acclaimed.
However, new movements were also challenging the dominance of academic art. Impressionism had emerged in France in the 1870s, and its influence gradually spread across Europe. In Denmark, the Skagen Painters, including artists like P.S. Krøyer and Anna Ancher (along with her husband Michael Ancher), were creating a vibrant form of plein-air realism and Impressionism in the northern tip of Jutland, capturing the unique light and life of the fishing community there. While Helsted's style remained more closely aligned with academic and narrative traditions, he would have been aware of these new artistic developments.
His connection with Vilhelm Rosenstand places him within a specific strand of Danish genre painting that valued storytelling and character depiction. Rosenstand himself was a student of Wilhelm Marstrand, a key figure from the later Golden Age known for his lively historical and genre scenes.
Helsted's success in Hamburg, particularly with "The City Council in Session" being acquired for the Kunsthalle, is significant. It demonstrates the cross-cultural artistic connections between Denmark and Germany. This connection was further solidified by the activities of other Danish artists in Hamburg, such as Peter Alfred Schou (1844-1914). Schou, who also spent time in Paris, later moved to Hamburg and played a role in the artistic life there, even founding an art school. It's noted that Schou's activities helped promote Impressionism in Germany. Helsted's presence and recognition in Hamburg may have contributed to an environment where Danish artists were well-received and could exert influence.
Legacy and Conclusion
Axel Theofilus Helsted's legacy is that of a versatile and skilled artist who made notable contributions to both Danish painting and music. As a painter, he demonstrated mastery across a range of genres, from intimate domestic scenes like "Feeding the Baby" to significant public works like "The City Council in Session" and classical interpretations such as "Paris' Dom." His technical proficiency, honed under Léon Bonnat, combined with a keen observational skill and a penchant for narrative, resulted in works that were both accomplished and engaging.
His paintings, characterized by their detailed execution, often humorous or dramatic content, and sometimes idealized beauty, found appreciation in Denmark and beyond, as evidenced by acquisitions by major museums and collectors. He successfully navigated the artistic currents of his time, maintaining a connection to academic traditions while also infusing his work with a personal sensibility.
As a composer, though his musical works may be less widely known today, he was recognized for his talent and output. This dual creativity marks him as a particularly interesting figure, embodying a holistic artistic spirit. His engagement with cultural debates, his international experiences, and his quiet, dedicated personality all contribute to the picture of a significant, if perhaps sometimes overlooked, artist of his generation.
Axel Theofilus Helsted's life and work reflect the rich cultural tapestry of late 19th-century Denmark. He stands as a testament to the enduring power of skilled craftsmanship, narrative art, and the multifaceted nature of creative expression, leaving behind a body of work that continues to offer insights into the art and society of his time. His contributions to both the visual and auditory arts secure his place as a noteworthy figure in Danish cultural history.
