Bertel Thorvaldsen: Figure of a reclining lion in bisque

Since the first half of the 19th century, Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) has been considered one of the most important and influential sculptors of his time. Thorvaldsen was born in 1770 in Copenhagen and was admitted to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts at the age of eleven. His talent earned him the fine gold medal from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and its travel scholarship that took him to Rome in 1797. The day Thorvaldsen arrived there, the absolute cultural center of classical art and its formation at the time, he called his spiritual birthday. In the Eternal City, Thorvaldsen came to live and work for most of his life, until 1838. Thorvaldsen worked as a sculptor in the neoclassical style and had a large studio in the city. In a style based on harmony, balance and exalted human ideals, often mirrored in ancient mythology, he created a series of masterpieces; statues, reliefs, portraits and monuments. In Rome he called himself Alberto, which is why the initials AT (Alberto Thorvaldsen) appear on some of his sculptures. This name became widely known, and over time he received commissions from royal commissions and princely houses in Europe. Thorvaldsen was the main competitor for the honor of Antonio Canova (1757-1822) and then, after the death of the Venetian master, as the most important sculptor in Europe, mentor to a large number of young highly talented artists. Thorvaldsen and Canova transformed the very idea of sculpture and its techniques to create works of art that inspired their contemporaries and generations of their followers.

Once upon a time, in beautiful Copenhagen, there was a ceramics workshop that would revolutionize the art of porcelain making. This workshop later became known as Royal Copenhagen. The story of Royal Copenhagen began in 1775 when the Danish king, Frederik V, decided to set up a ceramics workshop in Copenhagen. The workshop was founded under the name "The Royal Porcelain Factory". The king wanted to create a unique and exclusive production of porcelain goods that could match the quality of the European aristocracy's collection of finest porcelain. Soon, masters of the art were called in from both Germany and the Netherlands to contribute to the workshop's success. Together, these potters created the finest porcelain using their skill, precision and artistic flair. Every single pot, plate and figurine was hand-painted and unique, making Royal Copenhagen porcelain something truly special. Royal Copenhagen's popularity quickly grew and it became known worldwide for its aesthetics and craftsmanship. Royal families, nobles and important people across Europe almost competed to own the exclusive porcelain that bore the famous blue color, also known as "musselmalet". Over the years, Royal Copenhagen has developed and expanded its product line, but there has always been a strong focus on the finest craftsmanship. Despite industrial advances, the pottery masters have maintained the tradition of painting each piece of porcelain by hand, ensuring that each vase, bowl or cup is a unique work of art. Today, Royal Copenhagen remains a remarkable part of Danish cultural heritage. The beautiful blue and white porcelain wares have become a symbol of Danish design and quality and can be found in homes all over the world. Royal Copenhagen still strives to preserve the proud tradition of craftsmanship and beauty that made the workshop famous so many years ago. The story of Royal Copenhagen is a story of dedication to craftsmanship, love of beauty and an age-old tradition that lives on in our modern world. It is the story of a small ceramics workshop that grew to become an iconic brand and a symbol of Danish culture.