Antique Portrait of Bertel Thorvaldsen – Danish Sculptor, 1842
This lithograph portrays Bertel (Albert) Thorvaldsen (1770–1844), one of the greatest Neoclassical sculptors of the 19th century and Denmark’s most celebrated artist of his era. Thorvaldsen achieved international fame for his monumental sculptures and public works, which earned him comparison to classical masters such as Phidias. He spent much of his career in Rome, where he created statues and reliefs commissioned by European nobility, the Vatican, and leading cultural patrons of the age.
Here, Thorvaldsen is depicted in half-length, seated at a table with papers before him, dressed in a heavy coat over a buttoned shirt. His strong yet contemplative expression mirrors his artistic character: both a man of vision and a meticulous craftsman. The lithograph emphasizes the intellectual dignity of the sculptor, situating him not only as an artist but as a cultural figure of enduring influence. His autograph is reproduced beneath the portrait, adding a further sense of authenticity and authority.
This print was published as Plate 4 in *Voyage en Islande et au Groenland* (Paris, 1842), the account of Paul Gaimard’s Icelandic and Greenlandic expedition of 1835. Although the book is primarily known for its natural history, ethnographic depictions, and Icelandic portraits, it also included notable figures connected to Scandinavian culture and art. By including Thorvaldsen, Gaimard underlined the broader Nordic contribution to European civilization.
The lithograph was drawn by C. A. Jensen and executed by the workshop of Emile Lassalle after designs prepared in Gaimard’s project. The work is distinguished by its careful shading and balanced composition, reflecting the refinement of French lithography in the mid-19th century. Collectors prize this plate both for its artistic merit and for its association with Thorvaldsen, whose works still dominate public squares and museums in Copenhagen, Rome, and beyond.
Condition report: Clean impression with wide margins. Minor age toning in the margins and a few scattered spots, not affecting the portrait. Plate mark clearly visible.
Framing tips: A classical gilt frame with a subtle beaded edge would echo Thorvaldsen’s Neoclassical achievements. For a modern presentation, a black frame with an ivory or light grey mat would enhance the portrait’s contrast and emphasize its historical gravitas.
Technique: Lithograph Maker: Drawn by C. A. Jensen, lithographed by Emile Lassalle – from Paul Gaimard, Paris, 1842
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