Otto Bache was a well-regarded historical painter in the latter half of the nineteenth century. He showed an exceptional talent from an early age and attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from the age of ten. Following his graduation in 1866 he studied in Paris on a scholarship and travelled in Italy the following year. His name is especially associated with Frederiksborg Castle. When part of the Royal residence burnt down in 1859, it was rebuilt as The Museum of National History. Early surviving paintings were hung alongside new historical paintings, together recalling, often in romantic light, Denmark’s history. Bache was commissioned to paint several of these works. In around 1880 Bache became professor, and then director, of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.