Slagskib. To-dækker 1746 - 1828

C.A. Lorentzen made this drawing of a two-decked battleship in Denmark, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. This was a period in which naval power was crucial for maintaining trade routes and colonial possessions. This image presents the ship in profile, accentuating its size and the technology that allowed Europeans to travel and project power across the globe. Denmark, like other European nations, relied on its navy to protect its commercial interests and exert influence in international affairs. Battleships like this one were not merely instruments of war but also symbols of national pride and economic strength. The image evokes questions about the relationship between art, power, and commerce during this period. By exploring archival sources and historical accounts, we can better understand the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors that shaped artistic production and patronage during this time.