Plaquette van de Herfst van Thorvaldsen 1876

This photograph by Sophus Williams captures Bertel Thorvaldsen's neoclassical relief, likely in the late 19th century. During this period, photography played a crucial role in disseminating artistic achievements, making sculptures accessible beyond their physical locations. Williams’ photograph encapsulates the themes of classical art. The relief depicts idealized figures representing pastoral imagery, resonating with the era's longing for harmony with nature amidst rapid industrialization. It hearkens back to idealized forms of the human body, reinforcing classical standards of beauty. Here the figures are rendered androgynous and gender roles are ambiguous, reflecting the era's re-evaluation of gender. The photograph's creation and circulation reflect both the aesthetic and the societal values of the time. Williams' work captures a moment in art history that attempted to codify beauty, while revealing how the medium of photography democratized art appreciation.