Frederik VI, brystbillede 1780 - 1860

Johannes Senn created this print of Frederik VI sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. During this period, Denmark was navigating the complexities of European power politics, caught between Napoleon’s ambitions and British naval dominance. Senn’s portrait captures Frederik VI in profile, adorned with the symbols of his royal authority. Note the intricate details of his uniform and the medals pinned to his chest, each signifying status and power. Yet, there’s a certain restraint in the depiction. The artist presents us not just with a king, but with a man. The contours of his face suggest a leader bearing the weight of responsibility, reflecting a time when notions of leadership were being tested. This work invites us to consider the human dimension of leadership and the visual strategies through which power is negotiated. It leaves us to ponder how identity is constructed and maintained.