Generalmajor J.S. Fibiger 1862

Editor: This is a marble bust of Generalmajor J.S. Fibiger, created in 1862 by H.W. Bissen. It feels very stoic and almost severe, particularly with the sharp lines of the face. What symbols or cultural context can you read in this piece? Curator: The moustache is a very strong symbolic element of the period, isn’t it? Its imposing and theatrical presence can signal authority, status, a military background or an ambition to cultivate respect. How does the marble medium amplify this effect? Editor: It almost feels like he's being immortalized, doesn't it? The permanence of marble paired with his, let's say, *striking* moustache gives off an air of someone who wants to be remembered a certain way. Curator: Precisely. Marble, favored by the Romans and revived in the neoclassical era, suggests an idealised or heroic permanence. And considering his military rank, this enduring image could reinforce ideas of national strength or societal order. Think about the stories his face might tell; are there other symbols contributing to those stories? Editor: Well, I'm also seeing a bit of wear and tear, maybe some slight discoloration to the stone. Does that play into the symbolism, perhaps pointing towards mortality or the passage of time, despite the intended permanence? Curator: An astute observation. The imperfection contrasts sharply with the ambition of idealization, thus opening up a tension between intended legacy and the reality of existence, making the work even more compelling. So what stories resonate with you now that our time together is coming to an end? Editor: Seeing past the initial stoicism to this push-and-pull between the ideal and the real really changed my perspective! I learned to seek the story within the symbols and the material itself, a story beyond a static pose and a memorable mustache. Curator: And that story continues to be shaped with each viewing and conversation, revealing deeper insights into not only the artwork, but ourselves.