Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (
Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. A print can only be cut, never made bigger than the picture, so a size with a different shape loses a part of the image. We send you a digital mockup to approve before we print anything. The picture shown on this page does not show the real cut — only the mockup does.
Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (22 October)
Loki
Reproduction Size
Hermann Ernst Freund’s “Loki” stands as a compelling testament to the burgeoning Romantic movement’s fascination with ancient mythology, specifically the complex and often contradictory narratives of Norse lore. Crafted in Rome during a pivotal decade of his artistic development – 1818-1820 – this bronze sculpture transcends mere representation; it embodies a potent distillation of Loki's character: cunning trickster, shapeshifter, and harbinger of chaos, yet simultaneously imbued with an unsettling intelligence and a hint of tragic vulnerability. Freund’s decision to focus on this notoriously ambiguous figure speaks volumes about the era’s shifting artistic sensibilities – a move away from the rigid formality of Neoclassicism towards a more emotionally charged exploration of folklore and the darker aspects of human nature.
The sculpture’s power lies not only in its subject but also in Freund's masterful manipulation of bronze – a medium he expertly wielded throughout his career. The figure is rendered with remarkable anatomical detail, capturing the muscularity and coiled energy of Loki mid-pose. Note the deliberate roughness of the surface, achieved through careful polishing and patination; this textural contrast emphasizes the figure’s physicality while simultaneously hinting at an underlying sense of unease. The drapery, flowing and dynamic, is sculpted with a remarkable degree of realism, suggesting both movement and a subtle suggestion of concealment – mirroring Loki's ability to blend seamlessly into various roles.
Technique: The bronze casting process itself contributes significantly to the sculpture’s impact. The inherent qualities of the metal—its weight, its capacity for detail, and its potential for surface treatment—are fully exploited by Freund, creating a work that is both imposing and intimate.Loki's pose – seated, one leg extended, head turned in a gesture of deliberate observation – immediately conveys his characteristic cunning. The subtle suggestion of a smirk plays upon the viewer’s expectations, inviting speculation about his intentions. The presence of wings, a clear reference to Norse mythology, reinforces his status as a supernatural being, capable of transformation and wielding considerable power. However, it is not merely a depiction of brute force; there's an element of calculated strategy in Loki’s stance, reflecting his role as a master manipulator.
“Loki” is more than just a sculpture; it’s an evocation of the complexities inherent in Norse mythology – a world populated by gods and giants, heroes and monsters, where fate is often capricious and morality ambiguous. Freund's work captures this spirit with remarkable sensitivity, inviting viewers to contemplate the nature of trickery, intelligence, and the enduring power of myth. Reproductions of this piece offer a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in Romantic art history, allowing us to experience firsthand the artistic vision of a sculptor who dared to delve into the shadowy depths of Norse legend. It remains a potent symbol of both the allure and the danger inherent in embracing the unknown.
Hermann Ernst Freund made "Loki" at the age of 36. The artist was born in 1786 and the work is dated 1822.
A print of "Loki" by Hermann Ernst Freund is recommended at a medium size in portrait orientation.
"Loki" by Hermann Ernst Freund is recorded with a muted saturation.
Hermann Ernst Freund (1786-1840) was a German-born Danish sculptor who achieved recognition for his pioneering work in Nordic mythology and, most notably, the ambitious *Ragnarok Frieze*. Born near Bremen, Germany, he initially pursued training as a smith before dedicating himself to the world of art. He enrolled at the Art Academy in Copenhagen, where his talent quickly shone through, earning him all four silver and gold medals.
Following his graduation, Freund embarked on a decade-long sojourn in Rome (1810-1820). This period proved pivotal to his artistic development. He became the closest assistant to the renowned sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, gaining invaluable experience and refining his skills. His work during this time, such as the marble bust of Bernhard Severin Ingemann (1820), demonstrates a clear influence of Thorvaldsen’s Neoclassical style.
Upon returning to Denmark, Freund distinguished himself as an early proponent of Romantic Nationalism. He was the first Danish sculptor to actively engage with themes from Nordic mythology, creating a series of twelve statuettes between 1822 and 1829. These included compelling representations of figures like Loki (1822), Odin (bronze, 1827), and Thor (1829). His approach skillfully blended the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman mythological traditions with distinctly Norse subject matter.
In 1829, Freund was appointed professor at the Academy, solidifying his position within the Danish art world. Inspired by his travels in Southern Italy, he had his official residence, Materialgaard, decorated in a Pompeiian style. He mentored several young artists including Georg Hilker, Heinrich Eddelien, Constantin Hansen and Christen Købke who assisted with the decoration of Materialgaard based on Freund’s designs.
Hermann Ernst Freund played a crucial role in shaping Danish sculpture during the Golden Age. His pioneering exploration of Nordic mythology not only revitalized national artistic identity but also established a unique and enduring legacy. The largest collection of his works is housed at the Glyptotek in Copenhagen, ensuring that future generations can appreciate his contributions to art history. He remains an important figure for understanding the intersection of Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and National Identity in 19th-century Danish art.
1786 - 1840 , Germany
Explore the profound legacy of marble sculpture, from Classical antiquity to Neoclassical mastery. A definitive guide for elite collectors and designers seeking to integrate the luminous, eternal beauty of stone into sophisticated, high-end architectural spaces.
Embark on a sophisticated journey through the eternal allure of mythological art. Discover how master painters breathe life into ancient legends, from Greek deities to Baroque masterpieces, and learn to curate these timeless narratives within your own exquisite art collection.
Master the nuances of three-dimensional art with our expert guide. Explore sculptural history, from Phidias to Neoclassicism, and learn to evaluate materiality, form, and technique like a true connoisseur. Elevate your collection with profound insights into the world of sculpture.
Send
Share
Details
Guide
Download
Similars
Diaporama
Stats
Read More
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
