Bertel Thorvaldsen (1768–1844) with the Bust of Horace Vernet

Art Historical Context

In this striking oil on canvas portrait from 1833 or later, French Romantic painter Horace Vernet1789–1863) captures his Danish contemporary, the renowned neoclassical sculptor Bertel Thordsen (1768–1844). Titled *Bertel Thorvalds (1768–1844) with Bust of Horace Vernet*, the painting depicts Thorvaldsen holding a bust of Vernet himself—likely a plaster model sculpted by the master. Measuring 38 x 29½ inches, this intimate work the era's fascination with cross-medium artistic exchanges, blending painting and sculpture in a single frame. Painted during Thorvaldsen's later years in Rome, where h...