In 1883, the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen received a commission to create a sculpture of Christ for the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The completed work is carved from white Carrara marble.
Early pencil sketches and three plaster models depict Christ with his arms raised above his head in a gesture of blessing.
However, the form of the final sculpture is very different.
The story is told that Thorvaldsen prepared a clay model with Christ’s arms outstretched above his head. During the night, the framework supporting the clay failed, and the arms slumped from the blessing position down to the waist.
When Thorvaldsen arrived the next day and saw the changed posture, he immediately recognised its power and made it permanent.
Today, the finished statue’s open and inviting arms offer a striking image for us to reflect upon as we celebrate the feast of Christ the King.
The statue stands on a plinth in the church, inscribed with the words: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28)