Maskerade 1839 - 1902

Vilhelm Kyhn created this print titled 'Maskerade', now held at the Statens Museum for Kunst. The image presents a carnivalesque scene, a jumble of figures in costume and caricature. 'Maskerade' connects to a rich tradition of satirical prints commenting on social mores. Made in Denmark, a nation with a strong sense of cultural identity and social cohesion, the print probably pokes fun at specific contemporary behaviors or events. The presence of masked figures allows for a temporary suspension of social norms. We might ask: what rules are being flouted here? What hierarchies are being inverted? The inscription at the bottom translates as 'Seriousness and fun come together', hinting at the tensions at play. The Statens Museum for Kunst, as a national institution, plays a role in shaping cultural narratives. Prints like this were often circulated widely, contributing to public discourse. To fully understand its meaning today, we would benefit from research into the social and political climate of 19th-century Denmark, examining newspapers, literature, and other visual sources. Art offers a window into the past, but its interpretation is always shaped by the present.