The Trade in Painters’ Supplies in 17th-Century Denmark

This paper investigates the domestic and international trade and origin of painters’ supplies available in Denmark in the 17th century. Painters in Denmark relied heavily on the import of materials, however as part of an industrial policy King Christian 4. (1577-1648) introduced a number of mercantile initiatives in order to enhance local production as well as the export of locally produced goods, including also materials relevant for painters. Accounts from Christian 4’s Colour Chamber in particular, letters from the Danish court, administration documents, pricelists and inventories from apothecaries and grocers reveal that a wide range of painting materials was available to painters and craftsmen in Denmark during this period. The majority of materials were shipped from the large trading centers of Europe, while only a limited number of materials appear to have been produced or mined locally. The main dealers of painters’ supplies in Denmark were the apothecaries and the spice traders, however materials were also purchased by the court from the ships docking at the harbor in Elsinore, or directly from local craftsmen.