Comment on 6.8.1807
The gratitude to Denmark that Thorvaldsens expresses here and below must be understood as more than just polite phrases. In letter of 6.3.1804, he had obtained official permission to stay in Rome even though he was actually obliged to return to Denmark. The arrangement was that the sculptor could execute works for the Danish state equally well in Rome. This is what Thorvaldsen is indirectly referring to here: he wants to “show” his gratitude by executing works for the Danish state.
See more about this in A Free Man. Thorvaldsen’s Continuance in Rome.
Last updated 11.07.2023