Professor J.F.V. Schlegel 1833

This is David Monies' lithograph of Professor J.F.V. Schlegel, made in Denmark at an unknown date. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, making it an ideal medium for circulating portraits of prominent figures like Professor Schlegel. Monies' work encapsulates the values of the Danish Golden Age, a period of national romanticism and cultural flourishing. The stern, respectable pose and the detail given to his awards serve to emphasize the Professor’s status and contributions to society. The inscription below his image tells us he was Senior of the University of Copenhagen. To truly understand this image, one must delve into the social and institutional context of 19th-century Denmark. University records, historical societies, and even family archives can provide insights into the Professor's life, his influence, and the values he represented. In doing so, we can appreciate how art and institutions shape our understanding of history.