Bella and Hanna. The Eldest Daughters of M. L. Nathanson
Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg · 1820
Why it's great
Two teenage sisters in plain dresses sit close together, holding each other. Eckersberg painted them in 1820 for their father, a banker in Copenhagen. The soft light and quiet closeness make it very touching. It's one of the most-loved Danish portraits.
Where to see it
📍 Statens Museum for KunstCopenhagen, Denmark
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg was born in southern Denmark and became the 'father of Danish painting.' He studied in Paris and Rome and taught many painters in Copenhagen. He painted portraits, ships, and clear, bright scenes of Rome. He died in Copenhagen in 1853.
