Julius Lange (Danish Art Historian) 1896

Ludvig Brandstrup created this portrait bust of Julius Lange, the Danish art historian, from plaster. Observe the structure; Brandstrup captures a solid, imposing figure, focusing on Lange's head and shoulders. The textured surface of the plaster creates a play of light and shadow, lending a tactile quality to the work. The artist’s formal approach reflects a broader concern with realism and the representation of individual character. Brandstrup meticulously models Lange's features, from the furrowed brow to the carefully groomed beard, conveying a sense of intellectual intensity. However, beyond mere physical likeness, the sculpture also probes deeper questions about representation and identity. Brandstrup’s bust functions as both a portrait of a man and a commentary on the very nature of artistic representation.