'Frédéric Prince Royal de Danemarek & de Norwège' 1792 - 1796

Georg Haas created this print of ‘Frédéric Prince Royal de Danemarek & de Norwège’ to celebrate the Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark and Norway. Though undated, Haas was working in a period defined by European conflict and shifting national identities. Look at the composition, the Prince is centralized, raised up on horseback as if to suggest an inherent elevation, a position in society granted from birth. Note the mass of uniformed men surrounding him; together they create a scene of ordered strength. But who are these men? What do they believe about their roles? This work not only reflects the traditional representation of power and royalty but also subtly prompts us to question the individuals who enable and uphold such power structures. The strength of this print lies in its capacity to remind us of the complex, interwoven layers of identity and duty. How can a man be both an individual and a symbol of the state?