‘A lover of light’: in 1912, a French critic used these words to describe the great Danish painter Peder Severin Krøyer, who had close ties to the French art scene for more than two decades. Krøyer first visited Paris in 1877, and his many letters clearly show the impact French art had on Krøyer’s own development as a painter, on the artists’ colony in Skagen, and on Danish art history in general. In Krøyer and Paris. French Connections and Nordic Colours, art historians Mette Harbo Lehmann and Dominique Lobstein describe Krøyer’s artistic development from the Golden Age tradition favoured by the Danish academy to Naturalism and the Modern Breakthrough. They show how inspiration from France can be traced in his painting technique and his open-air paintings from Skagen, revealing how French Naturalism made its mark on Krøyer’s distinctive style. Krøyer and Paris has also been published in Danish.

Behind the Dictators by Leo H. Lehmann is a bold and meticulously researched exploration of the connections between Nazi-Fascist regimes and elements within the Roman Catholic Church. Through compelling analysis and historical documentation, Lehmann delves into the complex relationship between political authoritarianism and religious influence in 20th-century Europe. In this provocative work, Lehmann examines the ideological and practical alliances that emerged between key figures in the Catholic hierarchy and fascist leaders like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. He explores how shared interests, ranging from anti-communism to the consolidation of power, forged unlikely alliances and influenced the political landscape of the time. Drawing from historical records, speeches, and firsthand accounts, Lehmann provides a detailed and critical account of these interactions, revealing the extent to which religion and politics intersected during one of history’s darkest periods. While unflinching in its critique, Behind the Dictators also contextualizes the broader historical, social, and economic pressures that shaped these alliances. Lehmann’s analysis serves as both a historical study and a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of intertwining religious authority with political power. Ideal for readers interested in history, political science, or the dynamics of religion and power, Behind the Dictators offers a thought-provoking and challenging perspective on the role of institutions during times of upheaval. This book is a compelling resource for anyone seeking to understand the undercurrents that shaped the political and religious alliances of the 20th century.