Medalje over Thorvaldsen 1831

Erling Eckersberg created this print of a medal of Bertel Thorvaldsen, the Danish/Icelandic sculptor, some time in the mid-19th century. Eckersberg's print presents us with two faces of Thorvaldsen: one, a stoic rendering of his profile surrounded by the words "A. Thorvaldsen, Danvs Svlptor" (Danish Sculptor), and the other, a more allegorical scene of a seated sculptor being crowned by an angel. These images speak to the socio-cultural status of the artist at this time. Thorvaldsen, as a male artist, enjoyed a celebrated position, but this elevated status was also tied to expectations of genius and tradition. The print subtly navigates these pressures. While the profile embodies classical stoicism, the crowned sculptor alludes to the divine inspiration often associated with artistic creation. Here we might ponder how the artist grapples with public image and inner identity. As you consider this print, consider the complex dynamics of fame, legacy, and the artist's own sense of self.