He started his training at the Royal Danish Academy of Art (Det Kongelige Danske Kunstakademi) in 1861, won the small silver medallion in 1864, and graduated in 1866.
He received the small gold medallion in 1868 for "Den fortabte Søn" ("The Prodigal Son") and the large gold medallion in 1870 for "Optrin af Syndfloden" ("A Scene from the Great Deluge"), both of which are in the collection of the Academy.
He tried to bolster his health with a stay in the countryside, but died on 20 February 1874, aged 27, at Iselingen estate near Vordingborg from an abdominal inflammation.
In addition to schoolwork he managed to exhibit "Udsigt fra Knippelsbro" ("A View from Knippelsbro Bridge") and "Portræt af en ung Musiker" ("Portrait of a Young Musician") during his short life.
An unfinished painting, "Et Jagtparti" ("A Hunting Scene"), was completed by his father.