Portrait of Anna Ancher

Anna Ancher Paintings: The 100 Most Famous, Through a Gallery's Eye

Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 193 works by Anna Ancher in our catalogue

In short

To the gallery's eye, Anna Ancher's most famous painting is Dansk Dagens arbejde bedømmes English Appraising the Day's Work (1883), whose original hangs in the Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen. The Artist's Mother, Anna Hedvig Brøndum (1913) and Mrs Ane Hedvig Brøndum. Anna Ancher complete the trio every eye recognises. Of the 193 works by Anna Ancher in our catalog, the gallery presents the 100 most famous below, each original with its year, its museum and what makes it unique.

1859 – 1935, Skagen Impressionism Most works: Skagens Museum

The gallery's top 10 Anna Ancher paintings

1
Dansk Dagens arbejde bedømmes English Appraising the Day's Work (1883) by Anna Ancher

Dansk Dagens arbejde bedømmes English Appraising the Day's Work

1883 · Oil On Canvas · Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

Anna Kirstine Brøndum Ancher, universally recognized as Anna Ancher, stands apart in the annals of Danish art history – not merely as a painter but as an embodiment of Skagen itself. Born in 1859 amidst the windswept shores and ethereal lightscape of Skagen, Denmark’s northernmost village, her artistic journey was inextricably intertwined with the very essence of its identity.

2
The Artist's Mother, Anna Hedvig Brøndum (1913) by Anna Ancher

The Artist's Mother, Anna Hedvig Brøndum

1913 · Acrylic On Canvas · Skagens Museum, Skagen

Anna Kirstine Ancher’s “The Artist’s Mother, Anna Hedvig Brøndum” is more than just a depiction of an elderly woman; it’s a distillation of Skagen’s spirit—a testament to resilience, quiet dignity, and the enduring beauty found in simplicity. Painted in 1913, this portrait captures a moment frozen in time, illuminated by the distinctive Nordic light that defines the coastal village where Ancher spent her formative years.

3
Mrs Ane Hedvig Brøndum. Anna Ancher by Anna Ancher

Mrs Ane Hedvig Brøndum. Anna Ancher

Oil On Canvas · Skagens Museum, Skagen

Anna Kirstine Ancher's "Mrs. Ane Hedvig Brøndum," painted in 1882, is more than a simple portrait; it’s a profound meditation on age, resilience, and the quiet dignity of rural life in Skagen, Denmark. Born into a family deeply intertwined with the burgeoning artistic community of this remote fishing village at the very edge of Europe, Ancher possessed an unparalleled ability to capture not just likeness but also the essence of…

4
Bonatzi with the rooster (1906) by Anna Ancher

Bonatzi with the rooster

1906 · Oil On Canvas · Skagens Museum, Skagen

is an oil on canvas painting from 1906 that presents a somber and intimate scene. The composition features an elderly, bearded man positioned slightly off-center, occupying much of the vertical space. He is dressed in dark, heavy clothing and is depicted holding a large white rooster by its legs. The bright white plumage of the bird serves as a central focal point, drawing the viewer's eye downward against the man's…

7
Midday Meal in the Garden (1915) by Anna Ancher

Midday Meal in the Garden

1915 · Oil On Canvas

In the quiet, dappled light of a Danish summer, Anna Kirstine Ancher captures a scene that transcends mere domesticity to become a profound meditation on nourishment and peace. Midday Meal in the Garden is a breathtaking masterwork of Danish Impressionism, inviting the viewer into a secluded sanctuary where time seems to slow. The painting depicts a woman, perhaps a figure of maternal strength and grace, preparing food for a group…

8
An old wife of a fisherman (1887) by Anna Ancher

An old wife of a fisherman

1887 · Oil On Canvas · Skagens Museum, Skagen

In "An old wife of a fisherman" by Anna Ancher, the artist invites us into a quiet, interior scene that feels deeply personal. The composition focuses on an elderly woman engaged in the rhythmic, meticulous task of mending fishing nets. This intimate portraiture avoids grand gestures, choosing instead to find weight in the stillness of a domestic moment. The subject is positioned within a space that feels lived-in and purposeful,…

9
Blind woman, Blue Ane (Ane Christense Nielsdatter) (1882) by Anna Ancher

Blind woman, Blue Ane (Ane Christense Nielsdatter)

1882 · Oil On Canvas · Skagens Museum, Skagen

In this intimate portrait, titled Blind woman, Blue Ane (Ane Christense Nielsdatter), the artist Anna Ancher turns her gaze toward a specific member of the Skagen community. Created in 1882, the work presents us with Ane Christense Nielsdatter, a woman whose life was defined by her blindness. It is a quiet encounter with a person who lived within the social fabric of the Danish coast, captured during a period when…

Anna Ancher paintings, ranked 11 to 100

11Lektien gennemgåes (1885) by Anna AncherLektien gennemgåes1885 · Statens Museum For Kunst 12A blind woman in her room (1883) by Anna AncherA blind woman in her room1883 · Hirschsprung Collection 13Stine Bollerhus counts the money earned selling bread. (1879) by Anna AncherStine Bollerhus counts the money earned selling bread.1879 · Skagens Museum 14Little Girl with Flower (1885) by Anna AncherLittle Girl with Flower1885 15Saying Grace (HAF3069) (1880) by Anna AncherSaying Grace (HAF3069)1880 · Anchers Hus 16At the meal (1880) by Anna AncherAt the meal1880 · Skagens Museum 17A blind woman in her room. Study (1883) by Anna AncherA blind woman in her room. Study1883 18Old Woman Reading (1882) by Anna AncherOld Woman Reading1882 19Young mother with her child (1887) by Anna AncherYoung mother with her child1887 · Skagens Museum 20A young woman from Skagen (1890) by Anna AncherA young woman from Skagen1890 · Skagens Museum 21Study of the seamstress’ head, Ane (1890) by Anna AncherStudy of the seamstress’ head, Ane1890 · Skagens Museum 22A woman from Skagen sitting with the infant Helga Ancher in front of a white house. (1889) by Anna AncherA woman from Skagen sitting with the infant Helga Ancher in front of a white house.1889 23Michael Ancher reading the newspaper. (1887) by Anna AncherMichael Ancher reading the newspaper.1887 24Two old people and their rabbits (1892) by Anna AncherTwo old people and their rabbits1892 · Hirschsprung Collection 25Mrs. Brøndum (1890) by Anna AncherMrs. Brøndum1890 · Statens Museum For Kunst 26Hos Hårskæreren English At the hairdresser Polski U fryzjera (1886) by Anna AncherHos Hårskæreren English At the hairdresser Polski U fryzjera1886 27Valdemar Schønheyder Møller (1893) by Anna AncherValdemar Schønheyder Møller1893 · Skagens Museum 28Portrait of Maren Brems sitting at a sunlit table with white and pink tulips in a green vase. (1893) by Anna AncherPortrait of Maren Brems sitting at a sunlit table with white and pink tulips in a green vase.1893 29Kyhn in his studio (1903) by Anna AncherKyhn in his studio1903 · Skagens Museum 30A vaccination (1899) by Anna AncherA vaccination1899 · Skagens Museum 31A Young Girl Plaiting her Hair (1901) by Anna AncherA Young Girl Plaiting her Hair1901 · Statens Museum For Kunst 32Michael Ancher Painting on the Shore (1901) by Anna AncherMichael Ancher Painting on the Shore1901 · Nationalmuseum 33Helga Ancher is writing. (1900) by Anna AncherHelga Ancher is writing.1900 34Mrs. Brøndum wearing white. (1903) by Anna AncherMrs. Brøndum wearing white.1903 35A mother with her child in a sunlit room. (1905) by Anna AncherA mother with her child in a sunlit room.1905 · Ribe Kunstmuseum 36My mother by candlelight. (1902) by Anna AncherMy mother by candlelight.1902 37Profile of a woman from Skagen (1905) by Anna AncherProfile of a woman from Skagen1905 · Skagens Museum 38Harvest girl. (1903) by Anna AncherHarvest girl.1903 39Two young mothers with their small children. Study for “Vaccination”. (1899) by Anna AncherTwo young mothers with their small children. Study for “Vaccination”.1899 40Two children. (1905) by Anna AncherTwo children.1905 41Young woman in a green dress,  sitting in the dunes (1903) by Anna AncherYoung woman in a green dress, sitting in the dunes1903 · Anchers Hus 42Young woman in black with a white headscarff, sitting in the dunes (1903) by Anna AncherYoung woman in black with a white headscarff, sitting in the dunes1903 · Anchers Hus 43Saying Grace (HAF3074) (1900) by Anna AncherSaying Grace (HAF3074)1900 · Anchers Hus 44A woman shearing a sheep (1900) by Anna AncherA woman shearing a sheep1900 · Anchers Hus 45The hens are plucked (1902) by Anna AncherThe hens are plucked1902 46Plucking the Christmas Goose. Study. (1904) by Anna AncherPlucking the Christmas Goose. Study.1904 · Kunstmuseum Brandts 47Figure Study for 'The Mission Meeting' (1903) by Anna AncherFigure Study for 'The Mission Meeting'1903 48English A Young Girl Plucking a Swan Français Une jeune fille plumant un cygne Deutsch Junges Mädchen, einen Schwan rupfend (1900) by Anna AncherEnglish A Young Girl Plucking a Swan Français Une jeune fille plumant un cygne Deutsch Junges Mädchen, einen Schwan rupfend1900 · Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg 49Young woman among poppies (1910) by Anna AncherYoung woman among poppies1910 50Interior from the red room with the artist's mother Ane Brøndum reading (1910) by Anna AncherInterior from the red room with the artist's mother Ane Brøndum reading1910 · Skagens Museum 51Sheep shearing (1907) by Anna AncherSheep shearing1907 52A seated young woman with her hair up. (1906) by Anna AncherA seated young woman with her hair up.1906 53Disentangling the fishing net. (1911) by Anna AncherDisentangling the fishing net.1911 54Portrait of my mother. (1908) by Anna AncherPortrait of my mother.1908 55A fisherman's daughter plucking hens (1906) by Anna AncherA fisherman's daughter plucking hens1906 56A young harvest worke in front of a cornfield (1911) by Anna AncherA young harvest worke in front of a cornfield1911 57Two Women from Skagen. (1906) by Anna AncherTwo Women from Skagen.1906 58Woman from Skagen with a white scarf. (1906) by Anna AncherWoman from Skagen with a white scarf.1906 59Young woman carrying the washing at a red house in Skagen. (1911) by Anna AncherYoung woman carrying the washing at a red house in Skagen.1911 60Sørine Møller knitting, Skagen. (1906) by Anna AncherSørine Møller knitting, Skagen.1906 61Birthday. A woman at the end of a table with candles and a flag (1910) by Anna AncherBirthday. A woman at the end of a table with candles and a flag1910 · Anchers Hus 62Before the King arrives (1909) by Anna AncherBefore the King arrives1909 · Skagens Museum 63Two Girls Sewing Lessons (1910) by Anna AncherTwo Girls Sewing Lessons1910 · Skagens Museum 64Young Girl in a Garden with Orange Umbrella (1915) by Anna AncherYoung Girl in a Garden with Orange Umbrella1915 · Kunstmuseum Brandts 65Daphnesvej. A lange in Skagen's East Town (1915) by Anna AncherDaphnesvej. A lange in Skagen's East Town1915 · Skagens Museum 66Plucking hens. (1915) by Anna AncherPlucking hens.1915 67Helga Ancher picking elderberries. (1914) by Anna AncherHelga Ancher picking elderberries.1914 68When the day's work is done (1917) by Anna AncherWhen the day's work is done1917 · Skagens Museum 69A mother making plaits for her child. (1916) by Anna AncherA mother making plaits for her child.1916 70At the grave. (1913) by Anna AncherAt the grave.1913 · Skagens Museum 71A corner of the living room. Interior. (1916) by Anna AncherA corner of the living room. Interior.1916 72Frau bei der Näharbeit (1918) by Anna AncherFrau bei der Näharbeit1918 · Skagens Museum 73A fisherman of Skagen in a shed built from an old boat, courting a young woman. (1918) by Anna AncherA fisherman of Skagen in a shed built from an old boat, courting a young woman.1918 74In the garden. (1920) by Anna AncherIn the garden.1920 75On the Way to Church (1928) by Anna AncherOn the Way to Church1928 76Grandmother watching the children. (1925) by Anna AncherGrandmother watching the children.1925 77The newspaper is being studied. (1925) by Anna AncherThe newspaper is being studied.1925 78A golden jubilee couple from Skagen against a green backdrop. (1924) by Anna AncherA golden jubilee couple from Skagen against a green backdrop.1924 79When the day is done. Young girl sewing. (1924) by Anna AncherWhen the day is done. Young girl sewing.1924 80A young girl in the garden. (1933) by Anna AncherA young girl in the garden.1933 81Erik Brøndum, the artist (1890) by Anna AncherErik Brøndum, the artist1890 · Anchers Hus 82Sunshine in the Blind Woman's Room (1885) by Anna AncherSunshine in the Blind Woman's Room1885 · Hirschsprung Collection 83Michael Ancher on his way to his studio accompanied by the organist Helene Christensen (1888) by Anna AncherMichael Ancher on his way to his studio accompanied by the organist Helene Christensen1888 · Skagens Museum 84The pear tree, autumn (1888) by Anna AncherThe pear tree, autumn1888 · Anchers Hus 85Sheep Shearing (1900) by Anna AncherSheep Shearing1900 · Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg 86Per Bollerhus with a bundle of twigs on the heath. Study. (1878) by Anna AncherPer Bollerhus with a bundle of twigs on the heath. Study.1878 · Anchers Hus 87Per Bollerhus Walking with His Bundle of Sticks (1878) by Anna AncherPer Bollerhus Walking with His Bundle of Sticks1878 · Anchers Hus 88Self portrait (1877) by Anna AncherSelf portrait1877 89The maid in the kitchen. Study (1883) by Anna AncherThe maid in the kitchen. Study1883 · Skagens Museum 90Untitled (AQQL24) (1880) by Anna AncherUntitled (AQQL24)1880 91Young Woman Arranging Flowers (1885) by Anna AncherYoung Woman Arranging Flowers1885 · ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum 92Girl Plucking a Goose (1879) by Anna AncherGirl Plucking a Goose1879 · Skagens Museum 93Girl in Kitchen (1883) by Anna AncherGirl in Kitchen1883 94Old Lene Plucking a Goose (1883) by Anna AncherOld Lene Plucking a Goose1883 · Skagens Museum 95Lars Gaihede Whittling a Stock (1880) by Anna AncherLars Gaihede Whittling a Stock1880 · Skagens Museum 96Dansk To gamle, der plukker måger Deutsch Zwei Alte rupfen Möwen English Two old people plucking gulls (1883) by Anna AncherDansk To gamle, der plukker måger Deutsch Zwei Alte rupfen Möwen English Two old people plucking gulls1883 · Hirschsprung Collection 97On the garden bench (1890) by Anna AncherOn the garden bench1890 · Anchers Hus 98Interior With The Painter's Daughter Helga Sewing (1890) by Anna AncherInterior With The Painter's Daughter Helga Sewing1890 99An old woman in her room. (1888) by Anna AncherAn old woman in her room.1888 · Hirschsprung Collection 100Untitled (AQQKZL) (1888) by Anna AncherUntitled (AQQKZL)1888

The subjects that held Anna Ancher's eye

The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.

The museums that keep Anna Ancher's originals

The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.

Museum City Works by Anna Ancher Paintings from this list
Skagens Museum, SkagenSkagens Museum Skagen 48 The Artist's Mother, Anna Hedvig Brøndum, Mrs Ane Hedvig Brøndum. Anna Ancher, Bonatzi with the rooster
Anchers Hus, SkagenAnchers Hus Skagen 17 Saying Grace (HAF3069), Young woman in a green dress, sitting in the dunes, Young woman in black with a white headscarff, sitting in the dunes
Hirschsprung Collection, CopenhagenHirschsprung Collection Copenhagen 8 A blind woman in her room, Two old people and their rabbits, Sunshine in the Blind Woman's Room
Statens Museum For Kunst, CopenhagenStatens Museum For Kunst Copenhagen 10 Dansk Dagens arbejde bedømmes English Appraising the Day's Work, Lektien gennemgåes, Mrs. Brøndum
Kunstmuseum Brandts, OdenseKunstmuseum Brandts Odense 2 Plucking the Christmas Goose. Study., Young Girl in a Garden with Orange Umbrella
Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg, AalborgKunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg Aalborg 2 English A Young Girl Plucking a Swan Français Une jeune fille plumant un cygne Deutsch Junges Mädchen, einen Schwan rupfend, Sheep Shearing
Sorø Art Museum, SorøSorø Art Museum Sorø 2 A blind woman
Ribe Kunstmuseum, EsbjergRibe Kunstmuseum Esbjerg 2 A mother with her child in a sunlit room.

Anna Ancher, one signature painting per decade

Works per decade

Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.

Anna Ancher's paintings: the gallery answers

Which Anna Ancher painting is the most famous of all?Reveal the answer

Dansk Dagens arbejde bedømmes English Appraising the Day's Work (1883), Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen. The Artist's Mother, Anna Hedvig Brøndum (1913) and Mrs Ane Hedvig Brøndum. Anna Ancher come next.

How old was Anna Ancher on completing Dansk Dagens arbejde bedømmes English Appraising the Day's Work?Reveal the answer

24 years old: Dansk Dagens arbejde bedømmes English Appraising the Day's Work dates from 1883, and Anna Ancher was born in 1859.

Which are Anna Ancher's top 10 paintings?Reveal the answer

Dansk Dagens arbejde bedømmes English Appraising the Day's Work, The Artist's Mother, Anna Hedvig Brøndum, Mrs Ane Hedvig Brøndum. Anna Ancher, Bonatzi with the rooster, Churchgoers, Anna Ancher Fru Ane Brøndum i den blå stue English Mrs Ane Brøndum in the blue room, Midday Meal in the Garden, An old wife of a fisherman, Blind woman, Blue Ane (Ane Christense Nielsdatter) and A blind woman. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.

How many works did Anna Ancher create?Reveal the answer

Our catalog holds 193 works by Anna Ancher, dated from 1877 to 1933.

Where do Anna Ancher's most famous originals hang?Reveal the answer

Mostly in Skagens Museum (Skagen), Anchers Hus (Skagen) and Hirschsprung Collection (Copenhagen). The museum table above lists them all.

When did Anna Ancher create the most famous paintings?Reveal the answer

In 1900s: 29 of the 100 works on this page were made then, Bonatzi with the rooster among them.

Which are Anna Ancher's earliest and latest famous works?Reveal the answer

On this page, the earliest is Self portrait (1877) and the latest A young girl in the garden. (1933).

Which subjects did Anna Ancher return to most?Reveal the answer

Elderly woman (4), Domestic scene (4) and Portrait (3), across the 100 works on this page.

Which medium did Anna Ancher work in most?Reveal the answer

Oil On Canvas, for 8 of the 100 works on this page.

Which movement is Anna Ancher associated with?Reveal the answer

Impressionism, judging by the originals on this page.

Which Anna Ancher originals does the Skagens Museum hold?Reveal the answer

The Artist's Mother, Anna Hedvig Brøndum, Mrs Ane Hedvig Brøndum. Anna Ancher and Bonatzi with the rooster: the Skagens Museum, Skagen holds 26 of the works on this page.

Can I have a Anna Ancher painting reproduced by hand?Reveal the answer

Yes, as a reproduction: the original stays in its museum, but any painting on this page can be painted by hand for you, made to order one at a time, from the painting's own page.

Anna Ancher: the artist

A Life Bathed in the Light of Skagen

Anna Kirstine Brøndum Ancher, forever known as Anna Ancher, occupies a unique and cherished position within Danish art history. Born in 1859 in the remote fishing village of Skagen, at the very tip of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula, she was intrinsically linked to the landscape and community that would become synonymous with her artistic vision. Unlike many of her fellow *Skagen Painters*, Anna wasn't a visitor drawn by the dramatic Nordic light; she *was* of Skagen, born and raised within its bracing winds and ever-changing skies. This deep connection imbued her work with an authenticity and intimacy rarely found in artists who merely observed from afar. Her father, Erik Andersen Brøndum, owned the renowned Brøndums Hotel, a haven for artists seeking to capture the raw beauty of the region – a constant exposure that undoubtedly nurtured her early artistic inclinations. From childhood, she was surrounded by creative energy and the stimulating exchange of ideas, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to painting.

Formative Years and Artistic Development

Anna’s talent blossomed early, prompting her family to support her formal training. She spent three years at the Vilhelm Kyhn College of Painting in Copenhagen, honing her skills in drawing and developing a distinctive style characterized by sensitive observation and a nuanced understanding of color. However, it was her time studying in Paris, at the atelier of Pierre Puvis de Chavannes alongside Marie Triepcke (later Krøyer), that broadened her artistic horizons. This exposure to new techniques and perspectives proved invaluable, yet she always remained true to her Nordic roots. In 1880, a pivotal moment arrived when she married Michael Ancher, another prominent Skagen Painter. Their partnership was not only a personal union but also an artistic one, fostering mutual inspiration and support throughout their careers. Despite societal expectations that often confined women to domestic roles, Anna continued to paint prolifically after her marriage and the birth of their daughter, Helga, demonstrating remarkable dedication to her craft.

Capturing Everyday Life and the Essence of Light

Anna Ancher’s artistic focus centered on portraying the everyday lives of the people of Skagen – fishermen, their wives, and children – within intimate domestic settings. She wasn't interested in grand historical narratives or mythological scenes; instead, she found beauty and significance in the ordinary moments of existence. Her paintings are characterized by a remarkable sensitivity to light and color, skillfully capturing the fleeting effects of sunlight streaming through windows, illuminating interiors with a warm, inviting glow. Works like *Blue Ane* (1882) showcase her mastery of color interplay, while *The Girl in the Kitchen* (1883-1886) offers a poignant glimpse into domestic life. She possessed an exceptional ability to convey atmosphere and emotion through subtle nuances of tone and texture. Her later work, such as *Interior with Clematis* (1913), further demonstrates her evolving skill in exploring the interplay of light and shadow, creating scenes that are both visually captivating and emotionally resonant. She wasn’t merely depicting what she saw; she was conveying how it *felt* to be present in those moments.

Legacy and Lasting Influence

Anna Ancher's contributions to Danish art extend beyond her individual paintings. As a pioneering female artist, she challenged conventional norms and paved the way for future generations of women artists. Her work played a crucial role in the development of Danish Impressionism and the broader Nordic Modern Breakthrough movement, which sought a more truthful and authentic representation of reality. Today, her paintings are held in prestigious collections such as the Hirschsprung Collection in Copenhagen, Helga Anchers Fond, and Skagens Museum – testaments to her enduring artistic merit. The Anchers’ home in Skagen has been preserved as a museum, *Anchers Hus*, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the world that inspired their art. It stands as a living tribute to their lives and work, ensuring that Anna Ancher's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come. Her ability to find profound beauty in the simplicity of everyday life, coupled with her masterful handling of light and color, solidifies her place as one of Denmark’s most beloved and significant artists.

All 193 works by Anna Ancher →