Godsejer og politiker Peter Anton Alfred Hage 1856

This is a marble bust of Peter Anton Alfred Hage made by H.W. Bissen, though the date remains unknown. Hage was a prominent landowner and politician in 19th-century Denmark. Bissen, a leading sculptor of his time, captures Hage with a stern, determined gaze, reflecting the subject's influential role in Danish society. In this period, busts like these functioned as symbols of status and power. Hage's prominence is emphasized by the classical style, which evokes associations with ancient Roman leaders and a sense of timeless authority. This work serves as a fascinating lens through which to consider the social and political landscape of 19th-century Denmark, a time of significant change and nation-building. The relationship between the artist and the sitter, the choice of marble, and the display of the finished work all contribute to the narrative. Detailed archival research into the Hage family and Bissen's commission records helps us understand the social conditions that shaped the artwork.