Frk. Maggy (Margaret) Kerr 1851

This is a plaster bust of Frk. Maggy (Margaret) Kerr, created by H.W. Bissen, a Danish sculptor who lived in the 19th century. Bissen was a prominent figure in the Danish art world, and this bust reflects the Neoclassical style that was popular at the time, characterized by its emphasis on ideal beauty and classical forms. But art doesn't exist in a vacuum. This sculpture also hints at the social conditions that shape artistic production. In the 19th century, the art world was dominated by academies and salons, institutions that dictated what was considered good art and who was allowed to create it. Artists like Bissen had to navigate these institutions in order to succeed, and their work often reflected the values and tastes of the elite patrons who supported them. To truly understand this piece, we need to delve into the social and institutional context in which it was created, consulting historical records and critical analyses to uncover the complex forces that shaped its creation.