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 early artistic talent, and studied first with his father (from 1903 to 1907), then with Henri Matisse at Académie Matisse (from 1909 to 1910).[1] His first employment was as a newspaper illustrator and tango teacher.[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 drawing on paper, 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]
He was married twice. In 1915 he married artist Cécile Marie ("Lucy") Vidil (1891–1977).[7] Their marriage was dissolved in 1934.[7] He was the father of Norwegian artist Guy Krohg (1917–2002), from his first marriage.[7]
His second marriage was in 1934, to Ragnhild Helene Andersen (1908–1972).[1]
