Christen B. Sørensen. En oldsamler 1862

Jacob Kornerup created this engraving of Christen B. Sørensen, an antiquarian, sometime in the 19th century. Kornerup's work gives us insight into a cultural moment defined by the rise of national romanticism. He made a name for himself documenting ancient monuments and historical buildings, reflecting a broader interest in preserving cultural heritage. Here, Sørensen, an "oldsamler" or collector of antiquities, stands in what appears to be a field dotted with ancient burial mounds, holding a ceramic vessel. His image speaks volumes about the cultural and intellectual trends of his time. Sørensen is wearing clogs, which gives a sense of the everyday, but his top hat and long coat also make him someone of status. His stance, with a walking stick and gaze directed to the side, suggests a thoughtful engagement with the past. Kornerup invites us to reflect on our relationship with history, and the role individuals play in preserving and interpreting it.