Lensgreve, kammerherre J.G. Moltke 1867

This is a bust of J.G. Moltke, carved in marble by H.W. Bissen. Marble has long been the material of choice for commemorating the elite. Its inherent qualities of permanence, purity, and capacity for a high degree of finish made it perfect for portraying people of power. Bissen’s virtuosity is evident in the lifelike rendering of Moltke’s features and the intricate details of his attire. But consider, too, the amount of labor involved in extracting the marble from the earth, transporting it, and then carving it. The social status of the sitter is inextricably linked to these processes, a testament to a hierarchical society where such artistic achievements and displays of wealth were possible. Looking at the work this way challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft. We start to recognize how the materials and making processes shape the very meaning of the work.