Gerda Marie Fredrikke Wegener, a Danish illustrator and painter was born on March 15, 1886, in Hammelev, Denmark. Wegener was born to Justine and Emil Gottlieb, a vicar in the Lutheran church.
Wegener had three siblings but unfortunately, they all died at a very young age. Her family’s move to Hobro and later to Copenhagen helped Wegener to continue her education at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.
Wegener met fellow artist Lili Elbe at the age of 18 years. Lili and Wegener married in 1904. Wegener died on 28 July 1940, in Frederiksberg, Denmark, shortly after an invasion of the country by Nazi Germany.
Where can I see Gerda Wegener’s paintings?
Gerda Wegener’s paintings can be found mainly at the Rijksmuseum.
The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam and it is located at the Museum Square in the borough Amsterdam South, close to the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and the Concertgebouw.