Christian Hornemann (b. Copenhagen 1765, d. s.p. 1844) A pair of portraits...

Christian Hornemann (b. Copenhagen 1765, d. s.p. 1844)

A pair of portraits of pharmacist Gotfried Becker (1767–1845) and his wife, Nicolette Adriane Becker, née Burman (1774–1824). Gotfried Becker was son of Johan Gottfried Becker and Anna Christine, née Torm. He signed and dated C. Hornemann 1840, she unsigned. Both pastel on paper. Visible size 48×40 cm each. (2).

The Royal pharmacist Johan Gottfried Becker (1639–1711) was born in Husum in Schleswig, where he grew up with his parents, headmaster Gottfried Becker and Elisabeth, née Ehrenreich. Undoubtedly, the home stimulated the young Becker, and it is told that he became a very erudite gentleman. J. G. Becker studied medicine for many years in Europe and in 1668 King Frederik III of Denmark invited him to Copenhagen appointing him to Royal pharmacist. In 1669 J. G. Becker founded “Elefantapotheket” (the Elephant Pharmacy) in Købmagergade, Copenhagen. By this, he founded the Royal pharmacist dynasty Becker, and the Elephant Pharmacy was carried on by his descendants in five generations until the late 19th century. The present portrait collection shows most of the Royal pharmacist Beckers as well as a few portraits from Mrs Jacobe Becker's family.

Provenance: The Burman Becker family.

Condition Report:Minor discolourations. Examined in frame.

Category:Prints & Drawings