Background
Henrik Olrik, born in Copenhagen, was son of customs inspector Henrik Johan Ludvig Olrik and Benedicte Martinette (née Heiberg).
Henrik Olrik, born in Copenhagen, was son of customs inspector Henrik Johan Ludvig Olrik and Benedicte Martinette (née Heiberg).
Olrik was admitted to Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1844 where he initially studied sculpture under Herman Wilhelm Bissen, while in the same time working at the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory, where he made reduced copies of Bertel Thorvaldsen works. He studied in the studio of Thomas Couture and had his first painting exhibition in 1855.
In 1854 Olrik went to Paris pursue his painting interests. Olrik also specialized in still lifes, landscapes, historic, and religious paintings. Some of his religious works can be found in Marble Church and Saint Mathew"s Church in Copenhagen.
In addition to being a successful painter, Olrik was active in the field of decorative arts and design.
He made various design projects for numerous manufacturers including Ipsens Terrakottafabrik, the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory, The Human Context Drewsens Elektropletfabrik, Cuckoo and V. Christesens Sølvvarefabrik. His designs included items as diverse as tableware, bindings, sables and coins.
On one occasion, he prepared a design of a monument for Tsar Alexander II of Russia.
In 1871, Olrik become a member of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, in 1883 a Professor Titular, and in 1887 he was elected to Akademirådet.