Et korintisk kapitæl med kvindefigurer på hjørnerne 1804 - 1880

Here is your audio guide script: Constantin Hansen rendered this Corinthian capital with feminine figures in pencil. The capital features the acanthus leaves, yet at each corner, female figures stand guard, adorned with shields. These figures and their shields resonate deeply with ancient symbolism. The shield, a symbol of protection, hearkens back to classical antiquity, a motif embraced by those seeking to evoke the grandeur and perceived moral clarity of the ancient world. We see echoes of this in other works, such as the sculptures adorning the Valhalla temple in Bavaria. The presence of female figures, however, adds a layer of complexity, diverging from traditional representations where male warriors typically bear shields. Could this be a subtle nod to the strength and protective power of women, a theme also explored in romantic nationalism and in other art movements? The shield and the female figures engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, stirring primal feelings of security and protection. This symbol represents a recurring human desire for safety and strength, a testament to its enduring relevance through time.