Thorvaldsen Paintings

Bertel Thorvaldsen was a renowned Danish sculptor of the neoclassical period, born on November 19, 1770, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the son of an Icelandic wood carver, which provided him with an early exposure to artistic craftsmanship. Thorvaldsen showed an exceptional talent for sculpting at a young age and was admitted to the Royal Danish Academy of Art when he was just 11 years old, where he was trained in the classical arts.

Thorvaldsen's career truly began to flourish after he won a scholarship to travel to Rome in 1796. His stay in Rome, which lasted for more than three decades, established him as a central figure in the international community of artists. There, he was heavily influenced by the discovery of ancient archaeological sites and the works of classical antiquity. His sculptures reflected a pure, idealized classical style, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art. Thorvaldsen's famous works from this period include statues of mythological figures such as 'Hebe' (1806), 'Venus with the Apple' (1805–1816), and 'Apollo' (c. 1822).

Thorvaldsen became a contemporary rival to the Italian neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova and gained significant fame and success, which led to numerous commissions from wealthy patrons, including royalty and the church. Among his notable works are the monumental series of statues depicting the twelve apostles for the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen and his statue of Pope Pius VII.

Despite his long residence in Italy, Thorvaldsen maintained a strong connection to Denmark. In 1838, he returned to his homeland, where he was received as a national hero. He continued to work there until his death on March 24, 1844. His last major work was the equestrian statue of King Frederick VI of Denmark.

Thorvaldsen's legacy is preserved at the Thorvaldsen Museum in Copenhagen, which houses the largest collection of his works, along with his personal collection of art from antiquity. The museum, which was constructed shortly after his death, was Denmark's first public museum. Thorvaldsen's influence can also be seen in the works of many other artists and his contribution to the neoclassical movement has cemented his reputation as one of the foremost sculptors of the 19th century.