Apollon og Hermes 1819 - 1880

Constantin Hansen made this oil-on-canvas painting of Apollo and Hermes sometime in the mid-19th century. It’s a relatively small work, only about 35 centimeters high, but rendered in a grand style that suggests a much larger scale. Hansen seems interested in the materiality of the scene. The artist paid careful attention to the textures and forms of the lyre, draped clothing, and figures. The artist’s brushstrokes are delicate and precise, which suggests a mastery of the craft. The oil paint itself is smoothly applied in layers. Hansen's choice of oil on canvas speaks to the traditions of fine art, yet the painting depicts objects of craft. The artist's decision to portray the scene with such detail underscores the significance of these objects, blurring the line between fine art and craft. By emphasizing the materials and processes involved, Hansen invites us to see the value in both artistic creation and the objects we surround ourselves with.