Kammerherre, godsejer F.W. Treschow 1863

This is H.W. Bissen's 67.3 cm sculpture, "Kammerherre, godsejer F.W. Treschow," made from plaster. The eye is immediately drawn to the smooth, pale surface and the subtle play of light across the sculpted folds of the subject's drapery, offset by the coarse beard. This contrast creates a visually engaging tension between texture and form. The composition, strictly symmetrical, reinforces the subject's social standing. Bissen’s formal choices—the clean lines, restrained detail, and balanced proportions—reflect a classical ideal, reminiscent of ancient Roman portraiture. Yet, this is not merely an exercise in replicating historical styles. The artist uses classical forms to convey a sense of order and authority, echoing the values of the society for which he worked. The choice of plaster, while perhaps more economical than marble, subtly alters our perception. The slight imperfections and delicate nature of the material introduce a human element, destabilizing any purely heroic reading. Thus, Bissen's work exists in a complex interplay between homage and innovation, tradition and modernity, inviting us to consider how sculpture can embody and question the values of its time.