Portrait of the Scientist Hans Christian Ørsted 1832 - 1833

C.A. Jensen painted this portrait of Hans Christian Ørsted in Denmark, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It embodies the values of its time, particularly its faith in science and the importance of public service. Note how Ørsted is presented: his formal attire, his decorations, and the solemn expression on his face all reinforce the idea of him as an accomplished and respected figure. Ørsted was a professor at the University of Copenhagen, a leading institution in Denmark. The medals on his lapel suggest that he occupied an important position within the Danish state. The portrait reflects the cultural emphasis on the individual and their role within society during the 19th century. As art historians, we can use resources like letters and publications to deepen our understanding of the relationship between individuals, institutions, and artistic expression. We begin to understand that the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.