Christiansbourg Palais de Copenhague 1747

Louis Auguste Le Clerc created this print of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen using etching techniques. The image presents us with a bird's-eye view of the palace, emphasizing its imposing architecture and relationship to the surrounding city and harbor. Made in the 18th century, the print served as both a record and a promotion of royal power. We can analyze it through the lens of institutional history: the palace was not only a royal residence, but also the seat of government, so it became a symbol of Danish authority. The orderly arrangement of buildings, the clear lines of perspective, and the emphasis on the palace's size and grandeur all construct an image of stability and control. This visual language would have served to reinforce the monarchy's legitimacy at a time when traditional hierarchies were beginning to be questioned across Europe. Historical resources, like architectural plans and royal records, help contextualize this image within the broader history of Denmark. Such research reveals the complex interplay between art, power, and social order.