Thorvaldsen, Bertel, << TOOR `vahl` suhn, BAIR tuhl >> (1770-1844), was a Danish sculptor. His name is also spelled Thorwaldsen. During his lifetime, many people considered him the greatest sculptor in Europe. Thorvaldsen was a leader of the neoclassical movement. Neoclassical artists based their style and subjects on the classical traditions of ancient Mediterranean civilizations, particularly Greece. Thorvaldsen believed that imitation of ancient classical works of art was the surest way of becoming a great artist.
Thorvaldsen was born on Nov. 19, 1770, in Copenhagen. He lived in Rome from 1797 to 1837, where he studied classical art firsthand. Thorvaldsen took many of his subjects from ancient literature and mythology. Like the ancient Greek artists, he tried to sculpt human figures with clear contours, smooth surfaces, pleasing proportions, and a feeling of tranquillity. Thorvaldsen created most of his works in white marble. They included relief sculptures, monuments, and portrait busts. He died on March 24, 1844.
