Comment on 6.8.1804

This bust of Homer in marble is not known today and must not be confused with Thorvaldsen’s own copy of an antique bust of Homer, A751, from 1799. Kauffmann’s bust was presumably another marble copy of the antique bust of Homer in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples, probably meant for Baron Theodor von der Ropp, who in letter of 30.8.1804 confirms the commissions for some busts (among them a Homer), which he had made orally to Thorvaldsen earlier that year. See the related article about Ropp’s Commission for further information about this. That Kauffmann in the letter is mentioned as the maker of the bust does not necessarily mean that Thorvaldsen was not responsible for the final touches, cf. the related article about Thorvaldsen’s Workshop Practice.

Last updated 08.06.2015