Arkitekten Christian Hansen 1860

H.W. Bissen created this sculpture of Arkitekten Christian Hansen, which now resides at the SMK. During Bissen’s time, sculptures were typically commissioned to celebrate and immortalize individuals of high social standing. It is important to consider the socio-economic implications of who gets remembered and how. This bust embodies the formal characteristics typical of neoclassical sculpture, evident in its stoic and idealized representation of Hansen. However, beyond its aesthetic qualities, this work provides a glimpse into the cultural values of 19th-century Denmark, particularly its emphasis on the individual and their contributions to society. The lack of affect invites us to consider the role of the viewer in completing the narrative. What stories do we project onto this figure? And how does his representation reflect broader societal attitudes towards architects and their place in the cultural landscape? As we gaze upon Hansen, we're prompted to reflect on the dynamics of power, representation, and remembrance that are embedded within this seemingly straightforward portrait.