The National Historical Museum at Frederiksborg Castle has now received a new and remarkable addition to their collection of portraits. Andreas Mogensen, Denmark’s first astronaut, has been immortalized in a unique portrait, which was unveiled last Saturday by Minister of Culture Jacob Engel-Schmidt and Andreas Mogensen himself. The portrait, the first of its kind in Denmark, was created by the artist Maria Wandel. She chose an unusual approach by painting on glass and using techniques that allow the painting to appear in multiple layers. On one side of the glass, an abstract universe is depicted, while the other side shows Andreas Mogensen floating weightlessly in space. “It is an honor to hang here among great Danish scientists like Niels Bohr and Ole Rømer,” stated Andreas Mogensen at the unveiling. “To be portrayed in this innovative way and be a part of this historical collection is incredibly moving.” Mette Houlberg Rung, the museum’s collections and exhibitions manager, explains that the portrait is not only a tribute to Mogensen as an astronaut, but also an artistic interpretation of space and the infinite. “The portrait invites reflection and gives the viewer a sense of the infinite universe,” she says.
The portrait, measuring 2.3 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width, is framed with LEDs that create an almost three-dimensional effect and highlight the many layers in the painting. It will be exhibited in a special section at Frederiksborg Castle until September 16, after which it will become a permanent part of the museum’s collection. This new artwork represents a modern interpretation of scientific achievements and is a significant addition to the museum’s already impressive collection. It is expected to attract art and science enthusiasts from both domestic and international audiences.