Thorvaldsen was an extraordinary wonder-child, and was the youngest child known to enter the Royal Art Academy at the age of 11. During his time at the academy he was a private pupil of N.A. Abildgaard. Thorvaldsen became quickly one of the most famous artists in Scandinavia due to his young age and brilliant works of arts. Thorvaldsen was a master of sculptures and is behind many visible works in Copenhagen, like the outdoor decorations of the Danish royal prince’s private quarters at Amalienborg and decors at the castle of Christiansborg. Thorvaldsen was also a gifted painter and was frequently requested to do portraits of ministers and nobles. Thorvaldsen frequently traveled and worked in Italy in long periods from 1796-1842. In Italy he worked on many famous projects like on the 35 meter long relief of Alexander the Great at the Palads of del Quirinale in 1812. The project was done in honour of emperor Napoleons arrival in Rome.
Exhibitions:
The Age of Neoclassicism, London : 1972.
Heim Gallery, London :1973.
Wallraf-Richartz Museum. Köln :1977.
Naz. d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Rome: 1989.
The national gallery, Oslo: 1992.
Mus. Nat. d’Hist. et d’Art, Luxembourg :1997.
Estimated value / Auction prices:
Bertel Thorvaldsen is listed in artprice.com and other drawings have been sold for $2,428. (Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen. 10-03-2003. lot no: 2077)
Øbro Art Gallery 