C. J. Thomsen 1865

Editor: This is a lithograph and graphite drawing from 1865, titled "C.J. Thomsen." The rendering feels pretty direct and stoic. What do you see in this piece that maybe I'm missing? Curator: Ah, yes, Thomsen, the father of archaeology. I look at this image and I think about time, don't you? He dedicated his life to categorizing ancient artifacts; now, ironically, we're peering back at *him* through the looking glass of history. He looks rather serious, wouldn't you say? A man deeply immersed in thought, I'd wager. What do *you* feel when you look at him? Editor: I do get a sense of seriousness. And also permanence, considering it's a print. The graphite gives it a really neat textured look as well. Did portraiture serve a different purpose back then? Curator: Hugely! Before photography, portraits like these were vital. Not just for recording likeness, but also for communicating status and character. He probably sat for quite a long time so that the artist could carefully achieve the exactitude for this work. I think the artist certainly wanted to create the impression that this was an intellectual giant. Do you feel that he succeeds? Editor: I think the direct gaze definitely contributes to that impression. Plus, there's something authoritative about how solid he looks in the drawing. Curator: Right! It also made me think: How will *we* be remembered, or perceived, through the art and images we leave behind? It's all a question of how we curate the self, isn't it? Editor: Totally. It’s incredible to think of the layers of meaning contained within a single portrait. This was fun. Thanks!