Amalie Brock 1856

This is H.W. Bissen’s bust of Amalie Brock, housed here at the SMK, carved in stone. Immediately, we are struck by the subject’s serene gaze and the classical simplicity of her attire. The figure’s hairstyle, with soft waves framing her face and tied back with ribbons, evokes the hairstyles of ancient Greek sculptures. This aesthetic choice is not merely decorative; it is a deliberate nod to the past, a revival of classical ideals of beauty and virtue. This deliberate revival taps into a deeper, almost subconscious yearning for a perceived golden age. The motif of tying hair with ribbons appears across eras, from ancient Roman portraits to Renaissance paintings, each time subtly altering in meaning yet always retaining a connection to youth, beauty, and a certain cultivated grace. Bissen's work engages viewers on a profound level, stirring emotional and psychological resonances tied to our collective cultural memory. The image becomes a vessel through which we access and relive historical and emotional experiences. This sculpture encapsulates the cyclical nature of symbols, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across different historical contexts.