While Rome had long been a longed-for destination for artists, this international group grew significantly in the 19th century. Some remained for decades, like the sculptor Thorvaldsen, others only briefly. The Danish painter Blunck portrayed his countryman at the peak of his popularity in his workshop in Rome. While at first glance Blunck gives the scene the impression of simplicity and naturalism, in Thorvaldsen’s posture he refers at the same time to the sculptor’s famous depiction of Achilles, thus ennobling him.