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Carl Bloch facts for kids

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Carl Bloch
Carl Bloch Hver8Dag 1900.jpg
Born
Carl Heinrich Bloch

23 May 1834
Died 22 February 1890(1890-02-22) (aged 55)
Nationality Danish
Education Royal Danish Academy of Art
Notable work
In a Roman Osteria
Partner(s) Alma Trepka (died in 1886)

Carl Heinrich Bloch (born May 23, 1834 – died February 22, 1890) was a famous Danish painter. He is known for his beautiful historical and religious paintings.

About Carl Bloch

Carl Bloch was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. He studied art at the Royal Danish Academy of Art. His teacher was a well-known artist named Wilhelm Marstrand.

Carl's parents wanted him to join the Navy. They thought it was a good job. But Carl only wanted to draw and paint. He dreamed of becoming an artist.

He traveled to Italy to study art. On his way, he visited the Netherlands. There, he saw the amazing works of Rembrandt. Rembrandt's style greatly influenced Carl's own art.

In Rome, Carl met Alma Trepka. They got married on May 31, 1868. They were very happy together. Sadly, Alma died early in 1886. Carl was left to care for their eight children. This was a very difficult time for him.

His Art and Famous Works

Carl Bloch's early paintings showed everyday scenes. From 1859 to 1866, he lived in Italy. This time helped him develop his unique historical painting style.

His first big success was a painting called "Prometheus Unbound." It was shown in Copenhagen in 1865. After his teacher Marstrand died, Carl finished decorating a special hall. This hall was at the University of Copenhagen.

The famous writer H. C. Andersen was a friend of Carl Bloch. Andersen wrote letters to Carl, praising his art. He told Carl that his art would make him immortal.

Carl Bloch was asked to create 23 paintings for the King's Chapel. This chapel is at Frederiksborg Palace. These paintings showed scenes from the life of Christ. They were painted between 1865 and 1879. Today, these paintings are still at Frederiksborg Palace. Many people know them as illustrations in books.

You can also find his altarpieces in churches. Some are in Holbæk, Odense, Ugerløse, and Copenhagen in Denmark. Others are in Löderup, Hörup, and Landskrona in Sweden.

Influence on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

For over 40 years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has used Carl Bloch's paintings. They often use his works from the Frederiksborg Palace collection. You can see them in their church buildings and books.

The church has even made films about Christ's life. They used Bloch's paintings as a guide. They copied the colors, light, and even how actors moved. A good example is the 2000 film The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd.

The church liked Bloch's art because it looked very real. It wasn't like the more modern, abstract art of his time. Also, his paintings did not have special religious symbols. This made them comfortable for Latter-day Saint audiences.

Brigham Young University's (BYU) Museum of Art bought one of Bloch's paintings. It is called Christ healing at the pool of Bethesda. Later, BYU bought another painting by Bloch in 2015. It was an 1880 version of The Mocking of Christ.

Gallery

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Carl Bloch para niños

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