Rector Portrait
See the Portrait of Henrik Dam
Yesterday, Thomas Kluge’s portrait of SDU’s former rector, Henrik Dam, was unveiled, making him the latest former SDU rector to be portrayed.
The renowned portrait artist Thomas Kluge is behind the newest painting of one of the University of Southern Denmark’s former rectors — Henrik Dam, who led SDU until 2021.
The University of Southern Denmark has a tradition of commissioning portrait paintings of departing rectors, and yesterday the newest portrait was revealed during a ceremony at Det Adelige Jomfrukloster in Odense. A number of SDU representatives from the leadership, as well as Henrik Dam’s family, were present to view the portrait.
- I am incredibly pleased with the painting and the collaboration with Thomas Kluge. I’m proud and honored to have been rector at SDU — it has been a truly wonderful time in every way. That’s why it feels right to end on such a beautiful note and take my place on the wall alongside the other former rectors, said Henrik Dam at the unveiling.
A Portrait with a Greater Story
The portrait was made possible with support from the Albani Foundation, and SDU extends its sincere thanks to the foundation for the generous donation. The artist, Thomas Kluge, was also very pleased with the final result.
- It’s been an exciting and lengthy process, but I’m very proud of the final portrait. In addition to portraying Henrik Dam, it also tells a larger story about our past, present, and future. This is symbolized by the old globe, the iPad, and Henrik’s gaze — a look into the future and the university’s vision, said Thomas Kluge.
In 2026, the portrait will be loaned to an exhibition at Museum Sønderjylland at Sønderborg Castle. Until then, it will hang alongside the other rector portraits. These are currently on display at SDU’s Det Adelige Jomfrukloster on Albanigade, though a relocation to a more accessible venue is under consideration.
See photos from the unveiling on LinkedIn — or view pictures of the portrait below.