Bertel Thorvaldsen
Rom
Christian 8.
København
Dateringen fremgår af brevet.
The commentary for this letter is not available at the moment.
Deres Kongelige Høyheds Naadige Skrivelse, har jeg med usigelig Glæde havt den Lykke at imodtage, og dermed det skjøneste Beviis paa Deres Høyheds Gunst og Velvillie, hvor hædrende for mig er den Indbydelse til at paatage og udføre Arbejder for mit Fædreneland af Dem ædle Prinds, som med saa mange sjældene Dyder, tillige forenner saamegen sand Smag og Kjærlighed for de skjøne Konster, og saa velvilligen Opmuntrer og Understøtter deres Dyrkere, hvor lykkelig vilde jeg føle mig, om jeg nogenlunde kunde svare til den store Tiltro Deres Høyhed sætter til mine Evner. Mig aabnes her tillige en skjøn Lejlighed til at opnaae et Ønske, jeg saa lang Tiid har næret, at igjensee mit kjære Fødeland, jeg iiler med at Tiltræde Rejsen, men visse Omstændigheder nøder mig til at opsætte den indnu nogen Tiid. Rom de skjøne Konsters Hovedstad har siden nogen Tiid, igjen faaet et stort Tilløb af fremmede Rejsende, som har tiltrukket mig mange nye og skjønne Bestillinger, dog ey disse allene foraa
Endelig beder jeg underdanigst stedse at være Deres Kongelige Høyheds Gunst og Naadige Velvillie anbefalet
Rom den 20de Marts 1816
Underdanigste
A. Thorvaldsen
I have with unspeakable joy had the pleasure to receive Your Royal Highness’ favour and with that the most perfect proof of Your Highness’ favour and kindness, how honourable to me the invitation is to take on and execute works for my native land from you, noble Prince, who with so many rare virtues also unite so much true taste and love for the fine arts, and so kindly encourage and support their devotees, how happy I should feel if I could fairly well answer the great confidence Your Highness gives to my abilities. To me here a beautiful opportunity shows to fulfil a wish I have had for a long time: to see again my dear native land I hurry to begin the journey, but certain circumstances force me to postpone it some time still. Rome the capital of the fine arts has since some time again enjoyed a great influx of foreign travellers who have attracted to me many new and perfect commissions, however, not these alone are the reason for my stay but several old commissions of statues and bas-reliefs which indeed only want the finishing touches, but which I am obliged to deliver finished this summer. But now without accepting more new commissions my only care and endeavours will alone be applied to the finishing and promotion as soon as possible of these works, so the more independent and free I shall be able to begin the journey immediately at the beginning of next year and better use all next summer for the execution of the works His Majesty our most gracious King might wish made by me.
Finally I most humbly ask ever to be commended to Your Royal Highness’ favour and gracious kindness
Rome, March 20th 1816
most humbly,
A. Thorvaldsen
[Translated by Karen Husum]
Dette brev er den endelige udgave af et brev, som Thorvaldsen skrev flere udkast til. Se hans to egenhændige kladdefragmenter samt den af Eckersberg skrevne fuldstændige koncept.
Last updated 07.10.2014