Christian II 1646

This anonymous engraving, created in 1646, portrays Christian II of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, also known as "Christian the Tyrant". The etching depicts him in profile, wearing a hat, a fur-trimmed coat, and holding a scepter, while the inscription below details his royal titles. The artwork's small size and focus on a single figure exemplify the characteristics of a portrait engraving, a common genre in the 17th century. The image itself is rendered with meticulous detail, using lines and stippling to create the illusion of volume and texture. The piece, currently held at SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, offers viewers a glimpse into the visual culture of the period, and is a testament to the enduring historical interest in this controversial monarch.