Trio of Modern Greeks

First, Asmus Jacob Carstens, an eminent German painter (A.D. 1754 to 1798). His chief work, "The Fall of the Angels," contains two hundred figures. From this work he obtained the means to reach Rome. His numerous studies there from Greek subjects, distinguished for purity of style, beauty of form, and fine distribution of light, obtained for him the title of "A Modern Greek."

Second, Bertel Thorwaldsen, one of the greatest modern sculptors (A.D. 1770 to 1844), was born in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The date of his birth is supposed to be November, 1770; but, when questioned on the subject, he always replied, "I entered Rome on the 8th of March, 1797," reckoning his existence from the commencement of his career as an artist.

His subjects were chiefly classical and mythological.

His fame became so great, that, when he revisited his native city, his reception was triumphant.

He died suddenly of heart-disease, in the theatre at Copenhagen, in 1844.

He bequeathed all his works remaining in his possession to the city of Copenhagen, to be preserved in a museum bearing his name: for the maintenance of the museum he left the bulk of his property.

This magnificent and unique collection is now the glory of the capital of his native country.

Third, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a celebrated German architect (1781 to 1841).

He designed a great number of houses, castles, churches, and public buildings.

He was a man of powerful and original genius; and his designs are remarkable for vigor, beauty, harmony of details, and unity of idea. He also was called a "modern Greek."

These three obtain the title of "Greeks of later days," because they succeeded in re-animating the Greek ideal, with a simplicity, depth, and grandeur hitherto unattained by any artists attempting classical subjects.

Best specimens of the work of all three are to be seen in the museum at Weimar.