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A genio lumen, kunsten og lysets genius
Bertel Thorvaldsen[+]

A Genio Lumen (Art and the Lightbringing Genius) , 1808

Plaster. 50,5 x 66,5 cm
Inventory number: A517

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The Latin phrase in the title is translated as “From genius light”, or, if we are to understand it more clearly, “From genius comes light”. The old-fashioned concept of genius means “guardian spirit” or simply “spirit”. In the relief it is seen how the artist, here a woman drawing or writing, receives the light, i.e. the inspiration necessary for the creative process, from the winged genius who is pouring oil on the lamp.