Den svenske digter C.M. Bellmann, siddende i en stol, spillende på lut 1871

Curator: At first glance, I'm struck by the lifelike quality, the way the figure seems relaxed, almost casual, as if caught in a moment of musical reverie. Editor: Indeed. We're looking at a marble sculpture titled "Den svenske digter C.M. Bellmann, siddende i en stol, spillende på lut" by Louis Hasselriis, created in 1871. It depicts Carl Michael Bellman, a famous Swedish poet and composer, seated and playing the lute. It now resides at the SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark. Curator: Bellman's pose suggests a certain languid self-assurance, characteristic of a romantic poet perhaps? But what does it communicate to the modern viewer regarding celebrity or masculinity? Editor: Let's consider the materiality of the marble itself. Hasselriis clearly chose it for its associations with classical sculpture and permanence, lending the figure a timeless quality. Yet, it also evokes a sense of labor— the sheer physical effort of carving such detail is evident. Also consider the cultural capital Bellman held; portraying him in marble solidifies that elite status and makes him an item of artistic consumption. Curator: Precisely. Bellman as an icon gets further entrenched. We should address the nuances within that, however. Here we have a portrayal by a non-Swedish artist of a Swedish icon displayed in a Danish collection. It begs the questions: What national narrative does this support? What did Bellman represent to Hasselriis, a foreign artist depicting him in this material of luxury and power? Editor: I appreciate the prompt to think intersectionally. To me, the folds of the clothing and the delicate rendering of the lute strings really bring this down to process—the craftsmanship that produced this enduring image. And let's remember the social context: who were the patrons of such sculptures, and what did this portrayal communicate to them about taste and power? The art market and the conditions for its creation cannot be overlooked. Curator: It’s clear this work carries so much meaning through process and presentation. Thank you for making this visit a learning experience. Editor: It’s important to approach the art with a wide angle lens. This was enlightening; thanks!