During his time, Axel was one of the foremost and renowned artists in Norway, working both as a painter and sculptor. His work, primarily done in the genre known as Romantic Nationalism, was recognized internationally. One of his most best-known works is the Tordenskjold Statue at Rådhusplassen in Oslo, a bronze sculpture of Peter Tordenskjold, Vice Admiral in the Royal Danish-Norwegian Navy. In recognition of this seminal work, Axel was made a Knight in the Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav.[1]
Axel was born 14 September 1853 and baptized 18 June 1854 at Asker, Norway,[2][3] the son of Bernardus Ender and Frederikke Smith. His father was a merchant and farm owner. His mother was the daughter of Elias Smith, a merchant and mayor of Baerum.
"Axel began his art studies from 1867 to 1871 with the sculptor Julius Middelthun at the Royal Drawing School. He later attended the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts (1872-74) and the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich (1875-80) with financial support from King Charles IV."[4][5]
"His paintings were frequently in the category of Romantic nationalism. Many of his early works were exhibited at the Christiania Kunstforening (now Oslo Kunstforening). Altarpieces of his creation may be seen at Åsnes Church in Hedmark, Haug Church in Ringerike, Kampen Church in Oslo, Østre Porsgrunn Church in Telemark and Lunner Church in Oppland. The altarpiece which he designed for the former Molde Cathedral in Møre og Romsdal, was retained and stands today at the north wall of the new basilica which was constructed in 1957. "[6]
Axel's personal life must have been complicated for a time. In 1878, he was the father of two sons by different mothers, and Axel was not married to either of the women. On 7 June 1878, at Hestevold, Råde, Østfold, Norway, a woman by the name of Mina Birgitte Ellingsdatter gave birth to a son named Olaf Emil Anton Axelsen Ender, and Axel Ender was named father.[7] On 9 November 1878, at Fredrikstad, Østfold, Norway, a woman by the name of Hansine Hansdatter gave birth to Karl Hartvig Akselsen, and Axel Ender was named father. [8]He must have fathered the sons while visiting home from his studies in Munich.
After completion of his studies abroad, Axel settled in Oslo and continued his work as a painter. On 30 June 1885, Axel was married to Helga Sørensen, the daughter of Postmaster Carl Wilheim Sørensen. [9]Helga was Axel's first cousin; his mother, Fredrikke Smith, was the sister of Helga's mother, Louise Augusta Smith. At the time of the 1885 census of Oslo, Axel and Helga were living at 225 Oslogade 35b. Within a year, Helga gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter, Ragnhild. Four years later, daughter Karen, born 1890, joined the family. On 23 April 1899, a month after the death of his mother, Fredrikke, Axel became father to the couple's third child, a son, named Fredrik Carl Wilhelm Ender.
At the time of the 1900 Norway Census, Axel, a painter and sculptor, was living at 4 Jacob Aalls Gade 14 with his family, Helga (1864); Ragnhild (1886); Karen (1890) and Fredrik (1899.04.23). A servant, Julie Andersen, was also living in the household.[10]
At the time of the 1910 Norway Census, Axel, a painter, was living with his wife and children at 0086 Schøingsgate 32. Helga (1890-10-04); Fredrik (1892-04-23); Karen (1890-10-04). Johanne Knudsen, a servant, was also living in the household.[11]
Axel was able to showcase his work at many exhibitions, including the Nordic Exhibition in Copenhagen in 1888, the Charlottenborg Exhibition in Copenhagen in 1883, and exhibitions in Oslo nine times during the years 1872 - 1889. It looks as though his last exhibition, Minne Exhibition, Blomqvist Kunsthandel, was in Oslo in 1920, the year Axel died.[12]
Axel passed away 10 September 1920 in Oslo at the age of 66. His work continues to be of great interest around the world and his work frequently comes up for sale at auction.
His wife, Helga Sørensen Ender lived for quite a few years after the death of her husband. She died 22 January 1955 in Oslo at the age of 90.
The children of Axel and Helga all had distinguished careers. Their eldest daughter, Ragnhild Ender, became a well-known artist in her own right. Karen became a nurse and worked for the Red Cross. Frederik became a university professor and a published author.
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