FLORA Thorvaldsen's plants

FLORA Thorvaldsen's plants

The book FLORA treats the symbolic flora carved in stone by Bertel Thorvaldsen in his famous works, as well as the living flora he cultivated in his gardens. What is more, it unfolds a wonderful plant phenomenon that took place when his works were shipped from Rome to Copenhagen, wrapped in hay full of seeds. 

The book was published in connection with the exhibition FLORA ITALICA, Thorvaldsen Museum jun 17 to Sept 24 2023.

Thorvaldsen’s sculptures have in their own way contributed to the danish flora as we know it today. In our upcoming focus exhibition FLORA ITALICA we introduce our guests to the flora and biodiversity of Thorvaldsen’s time. 

The exhibition is based on the poetic but true story, that an Italian flower field blossomed on the square in front of the museum in the 1840’s. This botanical phenomenon occurred because Thorvaldsen’s sculptures were wrapped in Italian hay on their transport from Rome to Copenhagen. During the unwrapping of the artworks, large quantities of hay were disposed off in front of the museum, and the seeds began to blossom creating an Italian meadow.  

In the exhibition the museums court yard will be transformed into an Italian meadow, using recreations of the original seeds from Thorvaldsen’s time. The American artist Crystal Bennes revives the ancient meadow – thus creating a tangible and visual aspect to our days problems with biodiversity. Guests will also be able to experience new contemporary art works with a focus on the beauty of plant structure and biodiversity.