Bertel Thorvaldsen 1844

Ernst Meyer made this pencil drawing of Bertel Thorvaldsen, the celebrated Danish sculptor, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. The image evokes the cultural nationalism that swept through Europe at the time. Consider how newly formed museums and academies actively promoted art that celebrated national heroes, and how such institutions shaped public taste. Meyer's drawing is a study in the idealization of the artist. Thorvaldsen is depicted in profile, his features refined and noble. His flowing hair suggests a romantic temperament, while his formal attire hints at his elevated social status. This drawing, archived at the Statens Museum for Kunst, serves as a reminder of the historian's role in interpreting art. By researching the cultural context and institutional history surrounding this portrait, we can better understand its meaning and significance.