Thorvaldsen 1802 - 1849

Carl Plötz rendered this portrait of Bertel Thorvaldsen, the famous Danish-Icelandic sculptor, in an engraving. This was a period marked by the rise of Romanticism, with its emphasis on individual genius and national identity. Portraits played a key role in constructing and celebrating cultural figures. Here, Thorvaldsen is depicted in profile, a classical pose that alludes to his artistic roots. As a renowned sculptor, particularly known for his neoclassical works, Thorvaldsen embodies a revival of classical ideals. But what does it mean to revive classical ideals in 19th century Europe? Whose ideals were included and excluded? The artist’s choice of engraving, a printmaking technique that allowed for the wide distribution of images, suggests an effort to disseminate Thorvaldsen’s image and legacy. While portraits like these often focused on idealizing their subjects, it can be argued that this image offers us today a glimpse into the construction of artistic fame and the cultural values attached to it during this time.