Kaptajnløjtnant O.C. Hammer 1868

Editor: Here we have H.W. Bissen's marble sculpture, "Kaptajnløjtnant O.C. Hammer," created in 1868. It's quite striking. The beard looks so soft. How should we interpret it? Curator: Well, let's consider the materiality of the work first. Why marble? In 1868, marble signified not just permanence, but also a connection to classical ideals. Who was producing it? What kind of labor was involved in the quarrying, the transportation, and the carving? Understanding the material realities behind this bust reveals the social dynamics at play. Editor: So it's not just about aesthetics but the whole system that made it possible. What about Hammer himself? What do we know about him? Curator: Hammer's status as a naval officer would influence Bissen's artistic choices. A marble bust signifies prestige, an indication that Hammer had the capital to commission the work and that Bissen operated within circles that granted this kind of work value. Did Bissen typically portray military figures? That might give insight into patronage and production. Editor: That is an important aspect, yes. So it reflects the artist's access to powerful networks. Curator: Exactly. We also must remember the tradition this object comes from. Portrait busts were ways the elite immortalized themselves; Bissen's labor was to perpetuate that cycle, giving tangible form to social hierarchies. By focusing on the 'how' of this object – how it was made, and what materials, skills, and resources went into its creation – we get a much fuller understanding. Editor: I've definitely learned to look beyond the surface appearance. Thanks for your expertise! Curator: And I, in turn, find new perspectives by sharing insights and analyses on art history with students.