He arrived in Copenhagen around 1771 where he frequented the Royal Academy of Fine Arts but it is unclear whether he received formal training.

From 1779 to 1782 he went abroad to develop his skills, visiting the Netherlands, Antwerp and Paris where he copied old masters.

1801) at Danish Museum of National History and Den rædsomste nat (The Awful Night.

1807) at Danish National Gallery, he documented key events from the English Wars between 1801 and 1814.

Later in his career he mainly painted portraits, landscapes and scenes from the comedies of Ludvig Holberg (1684–1754).