Anthonore Christensen

Anthonie Eleonore Christensen, generally known as Anthonore Christensen, née Tscherning (1849–1926) was a Danish flower painter. She exhibited from 1867 at Charlottenborg, winning the medal of the year in 1893. As a painting teacher, her students included Queen Louise and Queen Olga of Greece.[1][2]

Anthonore Christensen with her son Axel Anthon

Born on 5 July 1849 in Copenhagen, Anthonie Eleonore Tscherning was the daughter of the army officer and politician Anton Frederik Tscherning (1795–1874) and the painter Eleonora Tscherning (1817–1890). Her sister, Sara Ulrik, (1855–1916) was also a flower painter. On 4 October 1871, she married the classical philologist Richard Christensen (1843–1876).[1][3]

Christensen was taught to paint first by the flower painter Emma Thomsen and later by her mother, with whom she took a study trip to Germany, Italy and Paris in 1869.[1] She began to exhibit in 1867 under her maiden name, immediately attracting attention for her fresh, carefully presented work. The following year, her Voxende Anemoner, tidligt Foraar (Growing Anemones, Early Spring) was purchased by the Royal Painting Collection.[1]

After her wedding, she and her husband spent two years in Italy. On her return, she exhibited more mature works, inspired by flora from the south. In 1887, she was awarded the Neuhausen Prize for Et Kurvelaag med afskaarne Roser (A Flower Basket with Roses).[1]

Anthonore Christensen died on 27 August 1926 in Hørsholm. She is buried in Holmen Cemetery.[4]