Valdemar III 1646

This engraving of Valdemar III, King of Denmark, was made at an unknown date by an anonymous artist. Kings and Queens often had their portraits made, but these images were not always objective representations of the individuals. Instead, the image of the monarch could be used to communicate political and social ideas. Here, Valdemar is shown holding a sword in one hand and an orb in the other, both symbols of power and authority. The inscription around the portrait provides historical context, noting the years of his reign and death. It is important to remember that the image is designed to convey legitimacy. The artist's choices about how to represent the king are shaped by the political and social expectations of the time. To fully understand this image, historians consult a wide range of resources, from official records to personal letters, to explore the social conditions that shaped this royal portrait.