Einschenkender Ganymed

1797–1838

“Restores” the Aegina marbles for Prince Ludwig

In his Roman workshop in the Palazzo Barberini Thorvaldsen “restored” the recently discovered Aegina marbles, adding lost arms and heads. On his recommendation the fragments were bought by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, the future King Ludwig I; the reconstructed pediment groups of the Aegina temple can now be seen in Munich’s Glyptothek.

1797–1838

The Roman years: a home, a workshop and a mentor

In Rome Thorvaldsen lived at the Casa Buti on the Via Sistina, in front of the Spanish Steps, and had his workshop in the stables of the Palazzo Barberini. He also studied with another Dane, Asmus Jacob Carstens, whose handling of classical themes became a source of inspiration.

spring 1818

Illness and nursing by Frances Mackenzie

In the spring of 1818 Thorvaldsen fell ill, and during his convalescence he was nursed by the Scottish lady Miss Frances Mackenzie.