Den politiske kandestøber 1852 - 1878

Peter Gemzøe created this lithograph entitled ‘The Political Tinker’ at an unknown date. It’s a darkly lit scene of middle-class men gathered around a table, seemingly engaged in a heated debate. The cultural context of 19th-century Denmark is vital to understanding its message. Denmark at the time was a society undergoing significant social and political change with a growing middle class, leading to increased political engagement and debate. This image uses visual codes to suggest this. The men, gathered in a domestic setting, are likely discussing politics, challenging the traditional realms of power. The title itself suggests that politics is now a craft taken up by common people - a ‘tinker’. We might want to investigate the cultural significance of gatherings like these at the time: were they viewed as subversive challenges to authority, or harmless expressions of public opinion? Historical archives, newspapers, and political pamphlets from the period could shed light on the public role of art and political imagery in shaping societal attitudes. By understanding its historical backdrop, we can better grasp the artwork's role within its society.