Albert Thorwaldsen c. 19th century

Editor: So this is Carl Küchler’s portrait of Albert Thorwaldsen. It looks to be a print or drawing. I’m struck by how the aging of the paper gives it an almost ghostly quality. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, it certainly has that spectral vibe, doesn't it? Küchler captures Thorwaldsen, the great sculptor, in a light that’s both reverent and…dare I say, a bit melancholic. Notice the fine lines, the delicate shading. It’s as if Küchler is trying to capture not just his likeness but his very essence. Do you think he succeeds? Editor: I do. It feels intimate, like we’re peering into Thorwaldsen's soul, and perhaps Küchler’s too. Curator: Precisely! It reminds me of a quote from Thorwaldsen himself: "My art is my life, and my life is my art." Perhaps Küchler aimed to capture that very sentiment. A true reflection within a reflection.