Silver wares by Danish silversmith, Anton Michelson

Anton Michelsen (1809-1877) was a Danish silversmith who is considered one of the most important figures in Danish silversmithing. He was born in Odense, Denmark, in 1809. His family had been metalsmiths for generations, and he apprenticed with several master silversmiths in Odense and Copenhagen. In 1836, he traveled to Germany and France to study the latest trends in silversmithing.

In 1841, Michelsen opened his own workshop in Copenhagen. He quickly became known for his elegant and refined designs, which were often inspired by nature. He also developed a reputation for his mastery of enamelling, which he used to decorate his silver pieces with intricate and colourful patterns.

Michelsen was appointed Court Goldsmith and Maker of Orders to the Danish Royal Court in 1848. He held this position for the rest of his life, and he created many pieces of silver for the Danish royal family. He also received more... commissions from other European royal families, as well as from wealthy private collectors.

Michelsen's work is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and attention to detail. He was a master of form and function, and his pieces are both beautiful and practical. He is considered one of the most important figures in Danish silversmithing, and his work is still highly sought-after today.

Some of Anton Michelsen's most famous pieces include

•    The Christmas spoons, which he began producing in 1910. These spoons are decorated with scenes from Danish history and mythology.

•    The Queen Alexandra Jubilee Cup, which he created in 1897 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Alexandra's accession to the throne.

•    The Royal Copenhagen Coronation Service, which he created in 1906 for the coronation of King Christian X of Denmark.

•    The Carlsberg Art Medal, which he designed in 1876. This medal is awarded annually to artists and scientists who have made significant contributions to Danish culture.

Michelsen's work is represented in the collections of museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Danish National Museum in Copenhagen. less...