H. E. Freund

Deep in thought, Hermann Ernst Freund meticulously carved, each stroke of his chisel breathing life into the cold marble. Here lies H. E. Freund, not in flesh and blood, but in the enduring legacy of his art. This unassuming grave in Assistens Cemetery holds a sculptor who dared to dream in Norse mythology, a pioneer who shaped Denmark’s artistic landscape. H. E. Freund, born in Germany in 1786, found his artistic home in Copenhagen. He initially trained as a smith, a skill that likely informed his later mastery of sculpting. He then pursued his artistic passion at the Copenhagen Art Academy, excelling and earning numerous accolades. Rome beckoned, and for ten years, H. E. Freund honed his craft as a close assistant to the renowned Bertel Thorvaldsen. This experience deeply influenced his style, yet Freund yearned to express his own unique vision. He became captivated by Norse mythology, a subject largely unexplored in the Danish art scene. H. E. Freund became the first Danish sculptor to delve into this rich world, creating captivating figures of Odin, Thor, and Loki. Imagine him in his studio, surrounded by clay and tools, his mind alight with images of ancient gods and epic battles. One of his most ambitious projects was the Ragnarok Frieze, a monumental work depicting the dramatic end of the world in Norse mythology. Sadly, this masterpiece, which consumed years of his life, was later destroyed in the devastating Christianborg fire of 1884. Thankfully, plaster casts and sketches survive, offering glimpses into the frieze’s power and complexity. H. E. Freund’s artistic influence extended beyond his own creations. He became a professor at the Copenhagen Art Academy, inspiring a new generation of artists. His own home, Materialgaard, became a canvas for his creativity, adorned in vibrant Pompeian style, a testament to his diverse artistic interests. H. E. Freund left an indelible mark on Danish art. His grave here is a quiet reminder of a life dedicated to artistic exploration and innovation. He dared to venture into uncharted mythological territories, forever shaping the way we see the gods and stories of the North.