Prins Frederik op zijn sterfbed, 1799 1853 - 1861

Clemens Prosper Schreurs created this print, Prins Frederik op zijn sterfbed, using etching. Although Schreurs was born over 20 years later, the work depicts Prince Frederik's death in 1799. The image provides a glimpse into the intimate and often-staged moments of royal life. Deathbed scenes like this were not merely personal events, but carefully managed performances of power and legacy. We see Frederik surrounded by those closest to him, as if to suggest the strength of his familial and political ties. The work exists at a moment in time where the public and private were uniquely entwined, especially for those in positions of authority. I am drawn to the quiet stillness Schreurs captures. The somber tones, the careful arrangement of figures, and the implied weight of history all contribute to an emotionally charged scene. What do you feel when you look at this print? How does it make you think about the relationship between power, mortality, and representation?