Frederiksborg Slot 1737 - 1765

Alexia von Lode etched this print of Frederiksborg Slot sometime before her death in 1765. The castle looms large, its reflection shimmering in the water, a testament to Danish power and wealth. Prints like this one played a vital role in shaping national identity in 18th-century Europe. Created during the Enlightenment, it reflects a growing interest in cataloging and celebrating a nation's architectural heritage. Consider how the artist positions the castle, not just as a building, but as a symbol of Denmark itself. The inclusion of figures in the landscape adds a sense of scale, and also hints at the social life of the time. Were these prints aimed at a local audience, keen to celebrate their heritage, or were they designed to impress outsiders? By studying estate records, travel writing, and the print market of the time, we can better understand the social forces that shaped this image, and the meanings it held for its original viewers. Art offers us a window into the past, reflecting the values and aspirations of the society that created it.