Johannes Guttenberg i sit værksted 1813 - 1872

Andreas Flinch created this print of Johannes Guttenberg in his workshop sometime in the 19th century. As an artist working in the Danish Golden Age, Flinch was part of a cultural movement that sought to define Danish identity through art. In this print, Guttenberg is depicted as a solitary figure, a ‘great man’ whose invention would transform society. His assistant is physically engaged, operating the printing press with great effort. It is interesting to consider the labor required to produce these early printed works. The narrative here reinforces a traditional view of history, celebrating individual genius while overlooking the collective effort. Yet, in Flinch's time, the printing press facilitated the spread of nationalist ideas, contributing to the construction of cultural identity. This print thus embodies the complex relationship between technological progress and cultural narratives.