SwissArtGallery · Documented identity

Michael Ancher

Born : 1849Died : 1927

Michael Ancher (1849–1927) was a Danish painter born on the island of Bornholm. After studying at Copenhagen’s Academy of Fine Arts, he discovered Skagen in 1874 and formed a lasting attachment to its fishing community. Working men, rescuers and local families became his principal subjects. His painting combines firmly constructed figures with close attention to gestures, clothing and the practical circumstances of life beside the sea, giving his subjects a sustained sense of dignity.

Large compositions emphasise the collective dimension of these activities. In The Drowned Fisherman, completed in 1896, maritime tragedy is conveyed through grave figures and a silent setting. Ancher also painted interiors and family portraits in which lighting organises relationships between people. As a cofounder of Skagens Museum, he helped preserve the work of this artistic community.

This profile brings together identity references for Michael Ancher and paintings, drawings and works on paper documented in auction catalogues.

Documented auction references

1auction reference

1auction house

1documented result with a price

Schuler

References include catalogue entries and available results; they do not all represent completed sales. Attributed works and special lots are excluded from the priced results.

Works recorded at auction

Photograph : Schuler · Enlarge image ↗

Schuler · Lot 3119

Strickende Frau am Strand

Öl auf Karton montiert auf Holz

Catalogue period : 2020-09-18

Published result : 3400 CHF

Fees not specified in the available data

Estimate : CHF 3000–5000

View the lot at the auction house ↗

Sources and references

Reference record
LoC · Reference link only; institutional text and images are not reproduced.
Documentary source
Documentary source

SwissArtGallery documentary note based on the cited sources. Titles, media and qualifications are provided in the profile language; the original catalogue wording remains available in each record.
Profile updated : 2026-10-22