Thorvaldsen 1851

Peter Christian Schøler created this portrait of Thorvaldsen using a monochromatic print. The composition is dominated by the figure's head and shoulders, centrally positioned to draw the viewer's eye directly to his face. A bust shot, the portrait uses gradations of tone to model volume and texture. Looking closely, the hatching and cross-hatching techniques create depth, particularly noticeable in the rendering of Thorvaldsen's clothing. Schøler destabilizes traditional portraiture by focusing on the texture and form. The interplay between light and shadow models Thorvaldsen's features. The linear quality of the printmaking technique itself becomes a focal point. The image engages with a broader discourse around representation and the function of portraiture. The use of light and shadow challenges any fixed interpretation.