Heinrich Hansen (1821-90) specialised in architectural painting. He travelled throughout Europe recording the elegant interiors of important churches and private residences, including the palaces of Rosenborg and Drottningholm, and the Palazzo Ducale in Venice. He was Vice-Director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen.

This carefully depicted view of Copenhagen from Højbro Square provides an accurate representation of one of the most historic parts of the city- the Palace Island. Important buildings include the Christansborg Palace dominating the right of the composition. The multi-gabled building left of centre is the Exchange, its tower comprising the intertwined tails of four dragons. The church of Our Saviour is visible in the left background with a winding staircase on the outside of the spire. Højbro Square was the traditional location of the fishmarket. Apart from the perspectival accuracy in rendering the buildings the artist also demonstrates his skill in the detailing of everyday aspects of life; the two poles with apples stuck at the tops are fruitsellers' devices for advertising.

Hansen repeated the composition on two other later occasions and so the painting in the Royal Collection is the prime version. The larger version in the Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen, dates from 1868, and another of 1867 was sold at Sotheby's New York in 1997. It is paired with F.C. Kiaerskou's painting of Bernstorff House and Park also dated 1863. They were presented as wedding gifts to the future Edward VII and Princess Alexandra. Hansen was commissioned by Christian IX of Denmark to design an ornate beaker as a christening gift for his grandson Prince Albert Victor, eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales.