Fru Sophie Thiele, f. Holten stående med døtrene Ida og Hanne 1836

Curator: Stepping into the world of 1836, we encounter H.W. Bissen's "Fru Sophie Thiele, f. Holten stående med døtrene Ida og Hanne," a bronze sculpture nestled in the collection of the SMK. Editor: Immediately, there's a serenity about this grouping, a quiet strength. The bronze lends a solemn air, but also an unexpected warmth. It feels deeply human. Curator: Bissen was a master of Neoclassical portraiture, capturing a person's essence while channeling ancient ideals. In this group portrait, Sophie Thiele stands tall with her daughters, radiating both maternal tenderness and dignified resolve. You can see how the composition has been arranged as almost a gentle pyramid, adding to that feeling of stability. Editor: Exactly! The flowing drapery almost fuses the figures into a singular form. Look at the subtle contrapposto of Fru Thiele's stance, how it introduces a gentle rhythm into the overall shape. It's a clever way to breathe life into what could have been a static scene. Do you also agree on how we can easily associate such drapery with classic greek female sculptures? Curator: Indeed. This reference to ancient Greek ideals blends perfectly with the intimacy of the mother-daughter relationship presented in a more naturalistic manner. One daughter reaches to her mom with complete innocent faith and trust, and the younger is embraced with an unconditional hug. Don't we all wish to return there? I also can not ignore the weight in Bissen's use of light and shadow, which seems almost chiaroscuro-esque at times. Editor: Yes, I think that light is integral to emphasizing the soft texture of their dresses, that at first looks plain and neoclassical, but quickly starts presenting movement when hit by natural lights in such angle, making our minds go straight to other art examples. Overall, there is a kind of nostalgic reverence captured here. It moves beyond merely recording likeness, right? Curator: I wholeheartedly agree, the details on this artwork, give us much food for thought. Thank you so much for helping dissect Bissen’s masterpiece. Editor: My pleasure! I appreciate your deep-dive insights and this wonderful journey back in time with art.