After A Sojourn Of A Year Thorwaldsen
Again Visited Rome, Where He Continued His Labours Until 1838, When,
Wealthy And Independent, He Resolved To Rest In His Native Country.
This Time His Welcome To Copenhagen Was Even More Enthusiastic Than
In 1819.
The whole shore was lined with spectators, and amid
thundering acclamations the horses were unharnessed from his
carriage, and the sculptor was drawn in triumph by the people to his
atelier.
During the remainder of his life Thorwaldsen passed much
of his time on the island of Nyso, where most of his latest works
were executed. On Sunday, March 9th, 1842, he had been conversing
with a circle of friends in perfect health. Halm's tragedy of
Griselda was announced for the evening, and Thorwaldsen proceeded to
the theatre to witness the performance. During the overture he rose
to allow a stranger to pass, then resumed his seat, and a moment
afterwards his head sunk on his breast - he was dead!
His funeral was most sumptuous. Rich and poor united to do honour
to the memory of the great man, who had endeared himself to them by
his virtues as by his genius. The crown-prince followed the coffin,
and the people of Copenhagen stood in two long rows, and uncovered
their heads as the coffin of the sculptor was carried past. The
king himself took part in the solemnity. At the time of his decease
Thorwaldsen had completed his seventy-second year. - ED.
{16} Tycho de Brahe was a distinguished astronomer, who lived
between 1546 and 1601.
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