Thorwaldsen

Thorwaldsen, ALBERT BERTEL (1770-1844), famous Danish sculptor, was born of very poor parents in Copenhagen, and consequently received a very scanty education; but, having artistic leanings, he was allowed to enter the Art Academy of his native town, and there carried off many honours. In 1797 he arrived in Rome, and worked quietly there, unnoticed for some time, till Canova discovered him, and he was famous. He returned to Copenhagen in 1819, and received a splendid welcome. From 1820 till 1837 he again lived in Rome, and produced his statues of Mercury and The Dying Lion, his equestrian figure of the Emperor Alexander, and the great bas-relief The Triwnph of Alexander. Several volumes have been published upon his life and works.