Selskabsscene, Chr. IV's tid 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand created this pen and ink drawing titled "Selskabsscene, Chr. IV's tid," or "Company Scene, the Time of Christian IV," in the 19th century. Marstrand, a leading figure in the Danish Golden Age, often depicted historical scenes with a blend of realism and romanticism. Here, he imagines a gathering during the reign of King Christian IV, a period of cultural flourishing but also marked by social hierarchies. The composition, with its central table and surrounding figures, invites us to consider the dynamics of power and gender within this historical context. The men, adorned in elaborate costumes, dominate the scene, while the woman, though present, seems more constrained. Marstrand’s choice to represent this particular historical moment raises questions about how the past is interpreted and whose stories are told. His paintings often reflected the nationalistic sentiments of his time, yet also offer glimpses into the everyday lives and social interactions of people from different strata of society. What feelings do you think Marstrand was trying to evoke in the viewer?