Fysikeren H.C. Ørsted 1850

Here we see H.W. Bissen's sculpture "Fysikeren H.C. Ørsted," a bronze bust immortalizing the famed Danish physicist. The sculpture embodies the cultural reverence for scientific achievement during the 19th century. Bissen, a product of his time, participated in the Romantic era's emphasis on idealizing individuals, reflecting the values of a society undergoing rapid change. As we gaze at Ørsted's likeness, consider the narratives of progress and enlightenment that such monuments reinforce, yet also the figures and contributions they often overshadow. Whose stories are amplified, and whose are left untold? Ørsted himself, with his discovery of electromagnetism, shifted our understanding of the world. His work paved the way for technologies that have reshaped modern life. The weight of such legacy is palpable, and should make you consider the complex interplay of science, society, and representation.