"Præsten formaner Tømmersvendene..." 1794

This small print, whose author is now unknown, depicts "The priest admonishing the joiners...", and it was made in Denmark on the 1st of August 1794. It’s a scene of everyday life, but also a window into social tensions. The print shows a priest lecturing a group of tradesmen, likely about their drinking habits and unruly behavior. Notice how their tools lie on the table amidst glasses and spilled drink. It's a clash between religious authority and working-class culture. In late 18th-century Denmark, the church played a significant role in regulating social behavior, particularly among the laboring classes. This image likely reflects anxieties about the breakdown of traditional social norms and the perceived moral failings of the working population. To fully understand this print, we might consult church records, social histories, and even temperance pamphlets from the period. The meaning of this print depends on the social and institutional context in which it was made and received.