“Model Class at the Copenhagen Academy of Arts,” Done in the year of 1824, by Christian August Lorentzen, Danish artist.
THE ENTIRE WORK:
ABOUT THE WORK:
From the Royal Danish Academy of The Fine Arts. The year is 1824 and the work depicts a typical life drawing model class. Emphasis of course, is on the classics and featuring a Hercules figure with a model with a more Apollo-like build (swimmer’s build). The goal is to show the differences between the two physiques from Greek mythology, nothing erotic. The story is depicting the many same-sex, platonic friendships that Hercules had with men. Although, Hercules is an alpha-masculine icon; he is known by scholars of classical antiquity as being “openly bisexual,” and pursuing those relationships while dating women and/or “being bored with women.”
Plutarch, the famous ancient Greek historian (and eventual Roman citizen by decree and law), wrote that Hercules’ list of male lovers was beyond numbering. He loved men, just as much as he did women and enjoyed the fact that they “could not create children,” which by the cultural laws of ancient Greece; meant that he was responsible for their care. Engaging in a convenient bisexuality, that also was rooted in conservative values on the responsibilities of fathers.
Among his lovers were said to be the young heroes Admetos, Iphitos, Euphemos, Elacatas, and Abderus, son of Hermes, whose love for Hercules cost him his life. The class shows time together. In the ancient world and as depicted by the academic arts, men were more expressive and fluid in showing their love towards men. The Danish, not being constrained by the church, explored these tales. Not much is known about the blonde model. The Herculean model was used a lot in projects and worked at the city docks. He was also a stable cleaner for the city’s municipal horses. He appreciated both the gym and shower facilities of the art school. Weights were provided for the models to “pump up,” for the students.
“Kisses from PARIS!”
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ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Christian August Lorentzen, was very successful academic artist, teacher, and school administrator (art school). He was the son of a watchmaker, and his mother was a well-established dress maker. He had a love the arts and would sketch sculptural male and female pieces from ancient Rome and Greece. He is also known for his female academic figurative works too. He was well traveled and studied or took commissions in Paris, Antwerp, and Rome. Also, traveling to Norway at the request of the royal family to do landscapes.
