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Bertel Thorvaldsen, G260

Explanation

  • Thorvaldsen and the German sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch lived door by door in Rome for long periods during the years 1805-1819. After a visit to Carrara in 1816, Rauch modelled Thorvaldsen “ad vivum”, i.e. with him sitting as a live model. And the result was indeed a particularly vivid interpretation of Thorvaldsen – of his inspiring glance, his splendid hair and his characteristic profile. Rauch often emphasised Thorvaldsen’s crucial importance to him. Yet, Thorvaldsen had little to say on their relationship, and neither did he possess any works by Rauch. Thorvaldsens Museum received this bust in 1870 as a gift from Berlin. The original model belongs to the Rauch Museum in Bad Arolsen, and the marble version can be seen in the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin.

Motif / Theme

Dimension

  • Height 55 cm
  • Width 47 cm
  • Depth 26 cm
  • Inscription / Certification / Label

    Chr. Rauch ad Vivum 1816 / Albrt Thorwaldsen
  • Type

    Inscription