Per Krohg was born in Åsgårdstrand, Norway, the son of painters Christian Krohg and Oda Krohg. The family lived in Paris, where Per Krohg grew up. He showed artistic talent early, and studied first with his father (from 1903 to 1907), then with Henri Matisse (from 1909 to 1910). In the early years he worked as a newspaper illustrator and taught tango in Paris.[1] While in Paris, he was also the instructor of future architect Maja Melandsø.[2]
Krohg's work as an artist covered a wide field, from paper drawings, illustrations, and posters to set design, sculpture, and monumental paintings. After returning to Norway in 1930 he taught at the National College of Art and Design in Oslo.[3] During the Second World War, he was a forced laborer at the Veidal Prison Camp.[4] In 1946 he was appointed professor at the National Art Academy, and served as its director from 1955 to 1958. Among others, his students included artists Frithjof Tidemand-Johannessen and Tulla Blomberg Ranslet.[5]
Mural at the United Nations Security Council Chamber
He was married twice. In 1915 he married textile artist Cécile Marie ("Lucy") Vidil (1891–1977). Their marriage was dissolved in 1934. He was married in 1934 to Ragnhild Helene Andersen (1908–1972). He was the father of Norwegian artist Guy Krohg (1917–2002).
