Emil Aarestrup

Carl Ludvig Emil Aarestrup (4 December 1800 in Copenhagen – 21 July 1856 in Odense) was a Danish physician and poet, who had just one single volume of poetry published throughout his lifetime, yet this gave him a lasting place in Danish literature, due to the originality of the poems, as well as their persistent exploration of erotic themes, somewhat uncommon to the day.

[1][2] Aarestrup was born in Store Kongensgade in Copenhagen, in a period designated by the Napoleonic wars, which Denmark had been dragged into, and which left the country officially bankrupt.

As a poet, Aarestrup would later return to feelings of loss and loneliness, perhaps caused by these traumatic childhood experiences.

Compared to most contemporary Danish love poets he is much more sensual, material and audacious though still respecting decorum.

Although not recognized in his own time, he is now widely considered one of the most influential Danish poets and is still read in Denmark today.