Arkivet, Thorvaldsens Museum

According to historical painter Mr Koop’s request for an expression from my hand regarding his diligence and progress during the past year I cannot but once more give him a rather favourable testimony. Two historical compositions, Christ in Gethsemane and Thor’s Victory over the Giants, which Mr Koop has made this year, give proof of an unusual talent. I must especially praise Mr Koop’s diligence and true zeal for art, as he has had to prepare these themes under very unfavourable circumstances. I should regard it as a loss to art and the native land, if a young man who gives every promise of success were to be stopped in his career at a moment when his talent only needs encouragement to work forward to its development and I think that Mr Koop would be able to produce something excellent if he could be put in a position to continue his studies here in Rome by a most gracious royal support.

A. Thorvaldsen

Rome, November 19th 1823

[Translated by Karen Husum]