Astrid Noack

Early life

Born in Ribe, in 1902 Noack went to Copenhagen where she earned a living painting porcelain at the Aluminia faience factory. She then attended Vallekilde Folk High School, specializing in sculpture and qualifying as an apprentice in 1910. She continued her studies there under Ivar Bentsen who exerted a considerable influence on her, together with other artists, especially Joakim Skovgaard, from the folk high school environment. In collaboration with Skovgaard, she helped to decorate the ceiling of Viborg Cathedral (1948) working as a wood carver. There she also met Niels Larsen Stevns and Arne Lofthus, both of whom encouraged her to work independently as a sculptor.

Period in Paris

In 1920, on a grant, Noack went to Paris which at the time was the focus of the most significant trends in sculpture. She met Adam Fischer who played an important part in her development and in conveying French ideas to Scandinavia. She also befriended Lena Börjeson who had founded the Académie Scandinave free school of sculpture which arranged exhibitions and informal instruction. She studied French Gothic sculpture with the French sculptor Jean Osouf until in 1926 she became a pupil of Fischer and of the French sculptors Charles Despiau and Paul Cornet who helped her to develop her own style. She was the only women to benefit from the French approach to Classical Modernism.

Return to Denmark

After 12 years in Paris, Noack returned to Copenhagen in 1932 as a result of currency restrictions. She exhibited at the Grønningen, slowly gaining recognition. She produced many busts, including some of children. Among her most notable creations are Holtepigen (1937) in French limestone, Stående Kvinde (1942) in teak, her statue of Anna Ancher (1939) for the garden of Skagens Museum and Det korsfæstede Menneske (1945), an unusual depiction of Christ's crucifixion.

Style

Noack's sculptures are inspired by contemporary French art. Expressing an intense relationship between life and art, they focus on the human figure, often simply standing, sitting or kneeling. At a time when mankind was frequently treated with contempt, Noack strove to demonstrate her faith and trust in the human community. Her works are sincere, emanating an almost pious hope that people would again come together.

Exhibitions and awards

Noack exhibited frequently, not just in Denmark but in Paris, Budapest, Helsinki and Rome. In 1955, Kunstforeningen arranged a large retrospective exhibition, as did Holstebro Art Museum in 1988. Noack was awarded the Eckersberg Medal in 1940 and the Thorvaldsen Medal in 1954.