Kunstnerens søster 1851

Here at the SMK is Georg Christian Freund's 'The Artist's Sister', a sculpture standing at 54.5 cm. The stone's pale hue and smooth texture draw us in, and the subject's serene gaze and symmetrical features give a sense of classical harmony. Freund's work is characterized by his neo-classical style, evident in the idealized representation and anatomical precision of this bust. Through a structuralist lens, the sculpture operates as a sign, where each formal element contributes to a coherent representation. The composition, balanced and proportioned, speaks to the values of order and reason that underpinned much of 19th-century art. Yet, one might consider how the stark realism and simplicity destabilize more ornamental artistic conventions. Ultimately, the sculpture’s enduring appeal lies in the way Freund has worked with the inherent qualities of the material. By doing so, Freund's 'The Artist's Sister' prompts reflection on the relationship between form, representation, and the cultural ideals that shape our understanding of beauty.