A Thing of Beauty: Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus

Nineteenth-century sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen reimagined contemporary depictions of the Savior with his Christus statue for Copenhagen’s Church of Our Lady. Instead of Christ upon the cross, Thorvaldsen sculpted the risen Lord with outstretched, welcoming arms.
In this A Thing of Beauty video, emeritus law professor and former BYU Studies editor John W. Welch (BA ’70, MA ’70) shares insights about the beloved sculpture.
Watch other A Thing of Beauty videos, in which BYU professors and staff describe the one thing they find particularly beautiful-like arctic worms, space sand, or chocolate:
magazine.byu.edu/beauty.
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[@emilytaylor811]

Visiting the Church of Our Lady was a highlight of our trip to Denmark. Thank you for reminding me of that experience!

[@aegidiuspalayathil9299]

Not Wonder but miracle sculpture of Jesus Christ by the wonderful hands of the great Bertal Thorvaldsen ❤️

[@darlenepedersen4145]

Hands create such amazing wonders!!!!!!!Since the beginning of man on this earth he has created implements of war, things that maime, kill, torture. Then there are creations of beauty of the most reverence, breathtakingly embracing of the heart and in honor of our great creator. Thanks for sharing this beautiful art form created by hands being blessed and guided by the Master, Jesus Christ. Your presence is so peaceful🎉.

[@REEDRICHARDS2]

Thank you so much for this beautiful vídeo! PMDG.

[@byumagazine]

Glad you liked it!

[@keleniengaluafe2600]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CKD3332]

This is Art and Beauty of high order, without the knowledge of Christianity art becomes debased.

[@marleymae6746]

No, you were greeted by an ingraven image, not Christ. A statue can not give you a feeling it is a rock. Only the Living Christ can save.