Heinrich Gustav Ferdinand Holm (1803-1861) is especially known for his many meticulous portrayals of localities in Copenhagen. More than 700 survive of the scenes he drew, some of which were turned into prints, often hand-coloured like the present view from the Round Tower looking towards the Cathedral and St Peter’s Church. Holm also drew and painted the view from the Stormbroen bridge looking towards the almost finished Thorvaldsens Museum (see inv. no. D1887). In general, Holm’s many views of Copenhagen are the best source from which to gain an impression of what the city looked like at the time when the Golden Age of Danish Art was at its height. Despite his fervour and the popularity enjoyed by his works, Holm was forever in financial difficulties. Even in his own day he was known by the nickname of “Holm the Pauper”.
