early life and artistic training peder henrik kristian zahrtmann, a prominent danish painter, was born on march 31, 1843, in rønne, denmark. he was the eldest child of seven boys and two girls to chief doctor carl vilhelm zahrtmann and his wife laurine pouline jespersen. after graduating from rønne realskole at 17 years of age, zahrtmann studied painting with landscape painter hans harder at sorø academy. artistic career and notable works zahrtmann's artistic career began after graduating from the royal danish academy of art in 1868. he exhibited his works regularly at charlottenborg from 186…