Hans Tausen 1849 - 1879

This print, held at the SMK, depicts Hans Tausen, though its maker remains anonymous. The composition, rendered in precise lines, presents Tausen in a dignified pose, holding a book that draws our eye to the center of the image. The artist's use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a striking visual texture, particularly evident in the rendering of Tausen's voluminous cloak and fur collar. The detailed linework not only defines form but also conveys a sense of depth. Light and shadow are carefully modulated, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figure against the plain background. The choice of such detail can be understood through the semiotic lens. Each line, each stroke, serves as a signifier of Tausen's status and the solemnity of his role. The book, more than a mere object, becomes a symbol of knowledge and authority, reflecting the cultural values of literacy and scholarship. The portrait engages with broader questions about representation, knowledge, and the power of the printed word.