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Chap. XI.
THE THORVALDSEN MUSEUM.
165
figured—the palace, the Frue Kirke, and others—and
he might rightly be termed the architectural curse of
Copenhagen. Jealous in disposition, he determined, as
he expressed himself, “ to keep little T. under water.”
He did so, as far as he was able. Other princes and
people, however, recognised Thorvaldsen as a great
artist; the Italians styled him “ Il maestro dei
bassi-rilievi.” In the year 1820 he was greatly distressed
on receiving a letter from Mr. Hope, inquiring if he
would ever send his Jason. Dissatisfied with the first
statue, he had destroyed it, and commenced a second,
which, however, remained more than twenty years
unfinished. He now rallied his energies, worked with
incredible celerity, and masterpiece after masterpiece was
sent forth from his studio.
Thorvaldsen frequently revisited his native country,
and in the year 1838 resolved to quit Italy and establish
himself in Denmark. To convey himself as well as his
works to Copenhagen, the Danish Government placed at
his disposal the frigate “ Rota.” The day of his arrival was
celebrated as a national festival. The roads were crowded
with boats; and, though the day was damp and foggy,
at the moment Thorvaldsen left the frigate, and was
received by the cheers of his countrymen, a splendid
rainbow burst forth, adding to the attractions of the
scene. Apartments were allotted to him in the palace
of Charlottenborg, looking out on the Botanical Gardens;
and here he resided during the remainder of his life.
Thorvaldsen was’no courtier: overwhelmed with
invitations, to prevent jealousy he gave orders to his
servant Wilkens, the present custode of the Museum,
always to accept the first invitation, whether from prince
or artisan; and it was Wilkens’s duty to tell him each
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