Juristen og politikeren W.F. Treschow 1858

This is a portrait bust of W.F. Treschow, a lawyer and politician, made by H.W. Bissen in the 19th century. It’s carved from marble, a material prized for its beauty and permanence, but also its workability. The process of carving marble is laborious, requiring skilled artisans to translate a three-dimensional form from a solid block of stone. The inherent qualities of marble – its density, crystalline structure, and capacity to take a polish – dictate the final appearance of the sculpture. Bissen has skillfully used these qualities to render Treschow’s likeness with realism. Sculptures like this were typically commissioned by wealthy patrons, reinforcing their status through artistic representation. The labor involved in the production of such a piece highlights the social hierarchies of the time. This sculpture invites us to consider the complex interplay of material, making, and social context, and challenges traditional boundaries between art and craft.