Brygger J.C. Jacobsen 1865

Curator: Here we see H.W. Bissen's marble sculpture of J.C. Jacobsen, dating from 1865, held here at the Statens Museum for Kunst. Editor: The imposing scale is what strikes me first. Marble lends it an air of timeless dignity, like a Roman senator reborn. There's also something distinctly modern in his gaze though—inquisitive, knowing. Curator: That impression is likely intentional. Bissen was a master of conveying character through subtle realism, working within a classical framework. Notice how the draped toga, seemingly traditional, is actually quite unconventional. Instead of emphasizing grandeur, it humanizes Jacobsen. It feels...approachable. Editor: Approachable, but also strategic. This wasn't merely about likeness, was it? Jacobsen was, after all, a towering figure in Danish society, the founder of Carlsberg. How much was Bissen asked to communicate that prominence? Curator: Undoubtedly, Bissen was tasked with sculpting more than just Jacobsen’s image. His slightly furrowed brow seems thoughtful, reflecting an analytical approach. Jacobsen founded not only a global brewery but also established the Glyptoteket museum and supported scientific research. All that context is essential for understanding why Bissen crafted the image of a forward-thinking visionary. Editor: So, it is about projecting power, then, using artistic and historical precedent to bolster a very specific reputation. Even his beard seems carefully sculpted, a visual anchor suggesting both respectability and dynamism. This portrait plays into an idea of progressivism. Curator: Absolutely, a cultural artifact of its time, revealing values regarding leadership and entrepreneurialism, memorialized in marble, inviting continued conversation. Editor: An invitation to consider how individuals sculpt not only stone but also their own public perception. Curator: Precisely, prompting viewers to discern the interplay between persona and portrayal.