Lot Essay
The present frieze is a reduction of one of Bertel Thorvaldsen's (1770-1844) most important commissions, the 1812 Alexander frieze. Thorvaldsen was commissioned to sculpt a marble frieze for the Palazzo Quirinale in commemoration of Napoleon's anticipated visit to Rome. Although Napoleon never arrived in Rome, the frieze was nonetheless kept in situ after the palace was converted to a papal residence. (Cf. B. Jornaes, Bertel Thorvaldsen 1770-1844 Scultore Danese A Roma, De Luca Edizioni d'Arte, Rome 1889, pp. 45-47)
Rasmus Peter Ipsen (1815 - 1860) founded his terracotta firm in Copenhagen in 1843 where he produced Neo-Classic objects for a wealthy Danish and international clientele. In 1848 the Copenhagen 'Thorvaldsens Museum' opened, creating a strong influence on the local manufacturers of ceramic wares, particularly Ipsen, who used the famous sculptor's works as examples. Following Ipsen's death in 1860, the firm was carried on by his widow and son under the name 'P. Ipsens Enke'. The impressed marks on the present example confirm that it was made during the founder's lifetime. (Cf. B. Holst, P. Ipsens Enke, 1843-1900, Copenhagen, 1990.)
A painted example of 'The Triumph of Alexander' was sold in these rooms 9 November 1995, lot 278.
Rasmus Peter Ipsen (1815 - 1860) founded his terracotta firm in Copenhagen in 1843 where he produced Neo-Classic objects for a wealthy Danish and international clientele. In 1848 the Copenhagen 'Thorvaldsens Museum' opened, creating a strong influence on the local manufacturers of ceramic wares, particularly Ipsen, who used the famous sculptor's works as examples. Following Ipsen's death in 1860, the firm was carried on by his widow and son under the name 'P. Ipsens Enke'. The impressed marks on the present example confirm that it was made during the founder's lifetime. (Cf. B. Holst, P. Ipsens Enke, 1843-1900, Copenhagen, 1990.)
A painted example of 'The Triumph of Alexander' was sold in these rooms 9 November 1995, lot 278.