Sergel arbejder i sit atelier 1748 - 1831

J.F. Clemens created this engraving, “Sergel arbejder i sit atelier,” which translates to “Sergel working in his studio," offering us a glimpse into the artistic world of the late 18th century. The engraving depicts the sculptor Johan Tobias Sergel at work on a statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. It reflects the Neoclassical movement’s interest in antiquity, but also raises questions about the role of the artist in society. Sergel, a man of his time, would have experienced the world through the lens of his gender and social standing, influencing his artistic expression. This image raises questions about the act of creation, the male gaze, and the representation of women in art. How does Sergel, as a male artist, interpret and shape the image of a powerful female figure from mythology? The answers to this could tell us something about the society he lived in. This engraving invites us to reflect on the complex dynamics between artist, subject, and societal norms.