To danske fregatter i en storm signalerer med hinanden 1833

Jacob Petersen painted these two Danish frigates in a storm, signaling to each other, using oil on canvas. The artwork evokes the maritime power of Denmark. The precise dating of the painting remains uncertain, but we can connect the depicted naval activity with the history of Danish maritime culture, one deeply intertwined with trade, exploration, and military prowess. The painting's visual codes of tall ships and stormy seas create a sense of awe, but also vulnerability. We can interpret this as a reflection on Denmark's complex relationship with the sea. Petersen's work invites us to consider the social and political dimensions of maritime representation. Historians employ a variety of resources, including naval records, trade statistics, and social histories, to better understand this painting. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its socio-political and institutional context, deepening our understanding of the period.