Ganymede by Bertel Thorvaldsen
The sculpture Ganymede is by the Icelandic/Danish artist Bertel Torvaldsen (1770-1844) and is from the collection of the National Gallery. Thorvaldsen made the original in Rome in 1804, which makes this marble sculpture among the oldest works in the National Gallery's collection. It is on view in the Treasure space at the Culture House.
The collection of the National Gallery of Iceland includes one sculpture by Bertel Thorvaldsen, Ganymede. The original was made in Rome in 1804, only a year after he completed his Jason with the Golden Fleece, which heralded his period of fame as a sculptor in Rome. The National Gallery also has a pencil drawing of three heads by Thorvaldsen, and 66 prints of works by the artist.
Sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844) was one of the most renowned artists in Europe of his time. He sought inspiration in the classical art of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and is regarded as one of the leading exponents of neoclassical sculpture, together with Italian sculptor Antonio Canova. Thorvaldsen spent most of his career in Rome, where his clients included the Pope, Napoleon, and many European royal families. He is the only non-Catholic sculptor whose work is on display in St. Peter‘s in Rome. Examples of Thorvaldsen’s work are to be seen all over the world, in museums, churches and outdoor spaces. The Thorvaldsen Museum in Copenhagen upholds his memory and preserves his works. The artist‘s grave is in the garden of the Museum.