Bogtrykker, kammerherre Carl Berling 1853

H.W. Bissen, a leading sculptor in 19th century Denmark, made this portrait bust of Carl Berling, a prominent printer and royal official. Bissen, trained in the neoclassical tradition, renders Berling in a style that evokes Roman portraiture, complete with toga-like drapery. But this isn't just about timeless aesthetics. The work reflects Berling's status and the values of Danish society at the time. Berling was not only a successful businessman but also held a position within the royal court. The bust thus speaks to the intertwining of economic power and social standing in 19th-century Denmark. It embodies the aspirations of the bourgeoisie and the conservative values that maintained the power of the monarchy. To understand this fully, we can delve into the records of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where Bissen taught, and study the history of the Berling printing dynasty. These avenues will help us comprehend the networks of patronage and the social forces that shaped artistic production in this period.