Alfred Valdemar Larsen was a Danish painter born on June 10, 1860, in Copenhagen. He is known for his detailed genre paintings and scenes from Danish and Scandinavian life, which provide a glimpse into the cultural and social aspects of the era. Larsen received his early artistic training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, where he studied from 1876 to 1882. During his time at the Academy, he was influenced by the traditional academic style of painting, which emphasized classical techniques and subjects.
However, Larsen also became interested in the growing movement of realism and was inspired by contemporary Danish artists who were focusing on everyday life and ordinary people. After completing his studies, he traveled throughout Europe, including visits to Belgium, France, and Italy, where he was exposed to a variety of artistic styles and methods.
Upon returning to Denmark, Larsen began to establish himself as a genre painter. His works often depicted scenes such as country life, family gatherings, and social occasions, capturing the nuances of the time. He paid great attention to detail and used a warm palette to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy in his paintings.
Larsen's contributions to Danish art were recognized in his lifetime. He exhibited frequently at the Charlottenborg Palace's annual spring exhibitions, and his works were well-received by both critics and the public. Despite the emergence of modernist trends in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Larsen remained committed to his realistic and narrative style, which continued to resonate with Danish audiences.
Alfred Valdemar Larsen passed away on December 14, 1927, in his native city of Copenhagen. His legacy is preserved through his paintings, which are housed in various museums and collections in Denmark and continue to be appreciated for their portrayal of Danish culture and society at the turn of the century.