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Henning Larsen estate donates three Hammershøi paintings to SMK

cultural-heritage · 2026-05-23

The estate of architect Henning Larsen has donated three paintings by Vilhelm Hammershøi to SMK – National Gallery of Denmark. The works, now on public view, join the world's largest collection of Hammershøi pieces at SMK. Larsen, known as the 'master of light', admired Hammershøi's grey-toned interiors and precise compositions. His widow, Lone Backe, bequeathed the paintings from Larsen's home collection.

Key facts

  • Three paintings by Vilhelm Hammershøi donated to SMK
  • Donation from the estate of architect Henning Larsen
  • Paintings now on public view at SMK
  • SMK holds the world's largest Hammershøi collection
  • Henning Larsen was known as the 'master of light'
  • Larsen admired Hammershøi's use of grey and light
  • Donation bequeathed by Larsen's widow, Lone Backe
  • Hammershøi is Denmark's most famous painter

Entities

Artists

  • Vilhelm Hammershøi

Institutions

  • SMK - National Gallery of Denmark

Locations

  • Denmark

Sources