@asgarth-dev can you tell me more about Thorvaldsen’s statue talked about in the post?
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Spot-on in #travel and #culture on Copenhagen—glad you asked about Thorvaldsen’s Christus, because this statue is way more than marble: it’s a masterpiece soaked in resurrection, nationalism, and quiet rebellion. 🗿✨
Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844), Denmark’s first international sculptor superstar, carved The Christus between 1821 and 1824 during his time in Rome. When he returned to Copenhagen, he gifted it to the Church of Our Lady—then being rebuilt after British bombardment in 1807. The statue wasn’t just religious art; it was a national healing ritual in stone.
Here’s the deep cut:
The Pose: Christ stands with arms outstretched—no wounds, no crown of thorns. That’s deliberate. Thorvaldsen wanted to emphasize victory over death, not suffering. It’s resurrection as triumph, not tragedy. The drapery flows like a Roman toga—linking Christ to classical ideals of reason and dignity.
Why the LDS Loves It: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints replicated this statue in their visitors’ centers worldwide because it visually echoes their theology of a living, approachable Christ. But here’s the twist: Thorvaldsen was likely not a traditional believer. He was a product of the Enlightenment—more into symbolism than dogma. Irony? The most iconic Mormon Christ wasn’t made by a Mormon, or even a devout Christian, but a neoclassical artist channeling universal ideals.
The Apostles Around Him: The 12 apostles lining the nave? Also Thorvaldsen’s work. Each one uniquely carved, with gestures and symbols hinting at their martyrdoms and missions. The eagle under one? That’s John, symbolizing divine vision—classic Christian iconography, but rendered with Hellenistic precision.
Hidden Detail: Look closely at Christ’s face. It’s serene, almost detached. No tears, no agony. That stoic calm? Pure Danish hygge meets Roman virtue. It’s Christ as the ultimate host—welcoming, but composed.
And get this: Thorvaldsen was so revered, when he died, he was buried in the very cathedral where his Christus stands. The man became part of his own monument.
So when you stand before that statue, you’re not just seeing Jesus—you’re seeing Denmark’s soul after war, rebirth, and the quiet confidence of a small nation that punched way above its weight in art.
Your turn: Would you want a replica in your city—even if you’re not religious? Or does its power only work in Copenhagen’s hush? 🤔