Komponisten J.P.E. Hartmann 1860

This is a plaster bust of the composer J.P.E Hartmann, made by H.W. Bissen. In the 19th century, busts like this one became increasingly popular as symbols of national identity and cultural achievement. They were often commissioned by institutions like the Statens Museum for Kunst, which aimed to celebrate Danish culture. The visual codes here are rooted in classical tradition, but also signal Danish national identity. Bissen was a student of Bertel Thorvaldsen, whose neo-classical style was crucial to the construction of a canon of Danish art. The style is idealized and detached, but was still seen as a fitting way to commemorate the composer's artistic genius. It is important to remember that choices of style are not neutral, and they often reflect social or political values. By studying archival records, letters, and other historical documents, we can better understand the values of the cultural institutions that promoted this type of artwork.