Den danske flådes angreb på svenskerne, Gripswald, 21. juli 1716, nr. 3 1712 - 1749

This print depicts a naval engagement from July 21, 1716, and was made by an anonymous artist in that same year. It shows the Danish fleet attacking the Swedish fleet near Gripswald. The print offers a bird's-eye view of the battle, carefully arranging ships and coastlines to provide a comprehensive picture of the event. Produced during the Great Northern War, this image functions as a piece of propaganda, celebrating Danish naval power. In the early 18th century, printmaking was a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and disseminating information, especially about military achievements. The artist, though anonymous, likely had connections to the Danish court or military, given the print's favorable portrayal of the Danish forces. The print's visual language—the orderly arrangement of ships, the detailed rendering of geographical features—serves to legitimize Danish authority and project an image of control. To fully understand this work, further research into the political context of the Great Northern War and the role of visual media in shaping national identity would be valuable.