"Øster og Nordsøens Forening" 1795

Editor: This is “Øster og Nordsøens Forening” – "The Eastern and Northern Seas Association” – a pen drawing from 1795 by Johannes Wiedewelt. It strikes me as a fairly solemn depiction of what I initially took as a biblical or classical scene, maybe even with political overtones. How do you interpret this work? Curator: You’re right to sense the classical influence. Wiedewelt was a leading proponent of Neoclassicism in Denmark. Consider how this aesthetic became entangled with the rising nationalist sentiments of the late 18th century. Neoclassical art wasn't just about mimicking antiquity; it was about projecting a vision of civic virtue and national identity. Who do you think these figures are and why are they presented here? Editor: Given the title and inscription below – something about the ocean and reverence – I'd guess it's a symbolic representation. The figures maybe personify the joining of the Eastern and Northern seas. The man with the beard is Oceanus and the woman, maybe Tethys. Is it perhaps alluding to the importance of maritime power for Denmark at the time? Curator: Precisely. Denmark, strategically positioned, controlled access to the Baltic Sea. Representing the joining of the Eastern and Northern Seas symbolizes the nation's dominance and economic strength, all couched in the language of classical allegory to legitimize that power. This image circulated within a specific political context. How do you think images like this contributed to the building of a national narrative? Editor: So it's about more than just aesthetics, but also about shaping public perception and bolstering national pride, especially amidst European power struggles? That really changes how I see it. Curator: Exactly. Art served as a potent tool for projecting ideals and reinforcing political agendas. Recognizing the context in which art is made and circulated helps us understand its role in society. Editor: Thanks. It’s really made me think about how art can be used to reinforce a country’s agenda, a national narrative. Curator: Glad to share! It goes to show how the museum's collection becomes a part of this story as well.