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Thor Resting with his Hammer

Hermann Ernst Freund (1786-1840): Danish sculptor famed for Nordic mythology & the Ragnarok Frieze. A key figure in Romantic Nationalism & Neoclassicism.

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Total Price

$ 272

reproduction

Thor Resting with his Hammer

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Reproduction Size

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Total Price

$ 272

Quick Facts

  • Notable elements or techniques: Exaggerated musculature; Classical motif (Torso Belvedere)
  • Artistic style: Idealized human form
  • Dimensions: 51 x 71 cm
  • Medium: Marble Sculpture
  • Title: Thor Resting with his Hammer
  • Movement: Neoclassicism
  • Subject or theme: Norse Mythology

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic movement is Hermann Ernst Freund’s sculpture *Thor Resting with his Hammer* primarily associated with?
Question 2:
The statue's pose and musculature draw inspiration from a famous sculpture located in the Vatican Museum. What is this sculpture?
Question 3:
What distinguishes Freund’s approach to depicting Norse mythology from earlier artistic representations?
Question 4:
What material was used to create *Thor Resting with his Hammer*?
Question 5:
The statue’s lighting contributes to its visual impact by emphasizing...
Freund belongs to the generation that succeeded Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844), whom he served as an assistant at the master’s studio in Rome.A break with ThorvaldsenThis depiction of Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is rich in contrast and constitutes a break with certain characteristics of his predecessor’s art. Working in accordance with the neoclassical idioms of his day, Thorvaldsen cultivated a link between form and subject matter insofar as the figures depicted often drew on sources from Antiquity and were executed in a ”classic” style.Motifs from Norse mythologyDuring the first decades of the 19th century, however, tastes in Northern Europe ran increasingly towards motifs from Norse mythology while classical Mediterranean art remained the stylistic model for the art of sculpture. In Freund’s sculpture, this contrast is intensified by the figure’s seated, half apathetic pose; very different from the neoclassical focus on active and outward-looking heroic male figures.Uniting classical form with innovative subject matterThe Norse motif is petrified, presented in the marble of Classical tradition. When viewed from the back, the sculpture shows how Freund sought to unite classical form with innovative subject matter: The exaggeratedly muscular back is a quotation from The Torso Belvedere from the Vatican Museum in Rome, a major work of ancient sculpture and one of the models of neoclassicism.

Artist Biography

Hermann Ernst Freund: Life and Legacy

Early Life and Training

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.

Roman Period and Influences

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.

Embracing Nordic Mythology

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.

Major Achievements and Artistic Style

  • Ragnarok Frieze: Freund’s magnum opus, a monumental frieze depicting the apocalyptic events of Ragnarök (the end of the world in Norse mythology). Though completed posthumously by Herman Wilhelm Bissen after his death in 1840, it represented years of dedicated work. Sadly, the original was destroyed in the Christianborg fire of 1884; however, a plaster cast remains at Statens Museum for Kunst.
  • Church of Our Lady Decoration: Freund prepared models for figures intended to adorn the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, though the commission ultimately went to Thorvaldsen.
  • Sculptural Style: Freund’s style is characterized by a harmonious blend of Neoclassical precision and Romantic emotionality. His figures possess both anatomical accuracy and a sense of dramatic narrative.

Later Life and Legacy

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.

Historical Significance

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.

Hermann Ernst Freund

Hermann Ernst Freund

1786 - 1840 , Germany

Quick Facts

  • Birth Date: 1786
  • Birth Place: Uthlede, Germany
  • Death Date: 1840
  • Influenced By: Bertel Thorvaldsen
  • Movement:
    • Romantic Nationalism
    • Neoclassicism
  • Name: Hermann Ernst Freund
  • Nationality: Danish
  • Notable Works:
    • Ragnarok Frieze
    • Loki (1822)
    • Odin (1827)
    • Thor (1829)
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