Bertel Thorvaldsen was Denmark's first truly internationally successful artist. He was born in Copenhagen, but in 1796 lived in Rome until he made a triumphant return to his homeland in 1838. He dominated sculpture during the Neoclassical period and ran a busy studio that was visited by artists, dignitaries and royalty. A museum devoted to his work opened in Copenhagen in 1848 and remains a popular attraction.

Christoffer Eckersberg was born in southern Jutland. He studied in Copenhagen, Rome and Paris, in the latter under J.L. David. He is often called 'the father of Danish painting' due to his extensive influence over his contemporaries. He painted portraits, marine subjects and landscapes, many of which are defined by an accomplished portrayal of light.

Martinus Rorbye was born in Norway to Danish parents. He achieved considerable success with his genre paintings, which won him several prizes. He later turned to landscape painting. Today he is widely regarded as a key figure in the Golden Age of Danish Painting.

Wilhelm Bendz was born in Odense. He studied under Eckersberg and became an accomplished figurative and landscape painter. While visiting Italy, he died aged just 28 of a lung infection.

Christen Kobke was born in Copenhagen and studied under Eckersberg. He travelled to Italy but was more interested in painting Danish landscapes. He also painted sensitive portraits mainly of relatives and close friends. Sadly, his life was cut short aged just 37 when he contracted pneumonia.

Vilhelm Hammershoi spent his life in Copenhagen. He became famous for his atmospheric, near-monochromatic interior scenes. He achieved success throughout Europe and lived briefly in London, where he hoped to meet Whistler, who had a considerable influence on his work.

P.S. Kroyer was born in Norway but raised in Copenhagen. He studied in Paris and came under the influence of the Impressionists. He became particularly interested in painting complex light effects. He later became a central figure among the Skagen colony of painters.

Asger Jorn was born in Jutland. He studied briefly under Leger in Paris but soon developed his own bold and expressive style that blended figuration and abstraction. He was a key member of the CoBrA group, a movement characterised by wildly spontaneous brushwork and childlike imagery.

Per Kirkeby was born in Copenhagen. He studied natural history before turning to art. He worked predominantly in painting, sculpture and printmaking. He held many exhibitions worldwide and was the recipient of several honours. In 1996, he began a collaboration with the film director Lars von Trier. Tate Modern held a major retrospective of his work in 2009.