Aftagelse af Velstand. 1815 - 1816

Curator: Welcome. The work before us, created between 1815 and 1816 by J.F. Clemens, is titled "Aftagelse af Velstand," or "Loss of Wealth." It's an engraving, a print, and belongs to the collection of the SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark. Editor: Immediately, the frantic gestures of the figures pull me in. The stark contrasts of light and shadow create a dramatic mood, almost theatrical. Curator: That drama certainly reflects the anxieties of the time. The work gestures towards a loss of fortune, likely within the context of the economic turbulence following the Napoleonic Wars. There's a certain genre-painting aspect to it, isn't there? Presenting this almost comical, albeit deeply concerning scene. Editor: It is fascinating how the artist uses line work. Notice how precise the lines are to illustrate the facial expression in particular! The sharp, defined lines create a sense of order despite the chaotic situation unfolding. It’s a testament to neoclassical precision. Curator: Precisely. This speaks to the conventions of Neoclassicism, with the line being primary to depict moral or social commentary. The composition is interesting, how the female figures seem posed almost classically, contrasting with the unrestrained gestures of the men at the door. Perhaps underscoring the gendered impact of financial ruin. Editor: I think that’s an astute observation. Look how their flowing gowns emphasize the calm they maintain, juxtaposed to the constricting coats of the flailing men. The positioning—the women on the left side of the image versus the men crammed together to the right—also contributes to the composition’s balance. It’s incredibly stable considering its supposed subject. Curator: I agree. What's revealed here in the way of material culture—clothing styles, interior decor—offers some commentary about class in that time. While presenting this event in a way that feels at once both intimate and also historically grounded in collective economic memory. Editor: And looking again at those sharp lines...they feel inherently modern for their time. There's an undeniable tension there— between what appears real, and how Clemens is stylistically emphasizing that apparent reality. A push and pull effect, constantly engaging. It's almost cinematic. Curator: A great point. A blend of history and contemporary life, anxiety rendered through expert craftsmanship. This work resonates deeply because of its social message, its precise execution and the visual storytelling about a loss felt, I imagine, quite universally in 19th century Europe. Editor: Absolutely, J.F. Clemens succeeds by rendering an unforgettable moment, carefully captured in simple black lines, echoing loss across economics, culture and memory.