The Danish Astronomer Ole Rømer 1857

This marble bust, created by Danish sculptor H.W. Bissen in 1857, depicts Ole Rømer, a renowned Danish astronomer. The bust, located at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, showcases Bissen’s skilled rendering of Rømer’s likeness, capturing the scientist's distinguished features and the intricate details of his clothing and wig. This work exemplifies Bissen's mastery of Neoclassical sculpture, with its emphasis on realism and a focus on capturing the subject's individual character. The bust serves as a tribute to Rømer's groundbreaking contributions to astronomy, particularly his discovery of the finite speed of light.