Bjergby 1743

Erasmus Sigismund Resch created this print of "Bjergby" sometime in the 1700s. The image shows a town dominated by what appears to be a castle. This visual trope was used to evoke ideas about power and social hierarchy. Looking at the image, we can assume it was made in Denmark, because the print is currently housed at the National Gallery of Denmark, and its title is in Danish. Prints like this were often commissioned by the elite to show off their status and power. The ruling class used art to display their dominance, making images like this an important tool in maintaining the social order. These representations of social hierarchy are important historical documents that allow us to understand the dynamics of past societies. As historians, we delve into archives, scrutinize historical texts, and analyze the visual language of the time to truly understand the culture that created it.