J.F. Willumsen

Jens Ferdinand Willumsen considers himself to be on a par with master artists, and throughout his long life often feels misunderstood. Looking at the course of his life, his ambition can be felt, as can his willingness to risk all in the drive to create something new. Born in Copenhagen in 1863, he starts to draw at an early age, and by the time he moves to the art capital of Paris with his first wife Juliette (née Meyer) in 1890 he has high hopes of an international breakthrough. Despite exhibitions in Paris and Germany, however, Willumsen never makes a name for himself beyond Denmark. Here, on the other hand, appreciation of his art gradually grows. He is an outstanding painter, sculptor, ceramicist, photographer and architect, and continues to experiment with new styles and techniques throughout his life.

Wherever Willumsen’s restlessness takes him in the world, fleeing the narrow mindset and grey skies of Denmark, his family have to follow. This drive towards new goals and the sun of Southern Europe has its price. His second wife Edith (née Wessel) ends up giving up her own artistic career for Willumsen, and in the end gives up on him too. She moves back to Denmark, taking their two daughters with her. Approaching 70, Willumsen finds himself alone and lonely in the South of France.

A new chapter in his life begins when he meets the significantly younger French dancer and artist Michelle Bourret. She becomes his partner in art and love alike. In his late works it is as if Willumsen lets go entirely – his colours grow louder and louder, and his works shift between comedy and tragedy, as if the world were a stage.

In 1957 Willumsen’s Museum opens. The creation of a museum dedicated to his works is a long-held wish for Willumsen, although he imagines something on a grander scale in the heart of Coopenhagen. Willumsen dies in Cannes in 1958, probably bitter and resentful at what he sees as his lack of success. In reality, he remains one of Denmark’s most important artists and continues to play an incontrovertible role in Danish art.