Lorentz Jørgensen

Who is Lorentz Jørgensen?

Lorentz Jørgensen was a Danish woodcarver. He was possibly trained by Hans Gudewerdt in Eckernförde. The two may well have worked together in 1643 on the altar screen for the north chapel in Halsted Priory Church on Lolland. His career then became intricately related to that of Christoffer Knudsen Urne who was appointed lensman at Tranekær on Langeland in 1642. It was there Jørgensen completed his first documented work in the local church.

In 1645, Jørgensen moved with Urne to Zealand where he settled in Holbæk which became the centre of his activity. The pulpit in Holmstrup Church was the first of many works he created for churches in the area. From there, he went on to design works for Køge, Kalundborg and Helsingør.

The altarpiece in Egebjerg Church is interesting in that it depicts the Crucifixion in the centrepiece, rather than the Last Supper as was usual, and also contains figures of Christoffer Urne and his wife Sophie Lindenow.

Jørgensen is one of those woodcarvers who had a well defined, easily recognizable style. There is therefore little doubt about the origin of his works, even those which were left unsigned. His subjects are repeatedly displayed in a gallery of statuesque figures. His talents are above all evident in the ornamental rococo framework around the panels of his many altarpieces.