Broder Knudtzon

Merchant, politician and patron

Broder Lysholm Knudtzon (5 October 1788 – 20 March 1864) was a Norwegian merchant, politician and benefactor.Born into one of Trondheim's wealthiest mercantile families, he travelled to England where he developed a great admiration of English language and literature.

Despite his commercial background he was more drawn towards the fields of politics, culture and art.He nevertheless administrated his father's family firm, acting as foreign correspondent with little interest in the everyday business.

In England he befriended Lord Byron and came under the influence of the English national liberal movement.Prior to his death, he bequeathed his entire library and several artworks to the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters.