Portret van Frederik I, koning van Denemarken en Noorwegen 1725 - 1794

Curator: This artwork, housed right here in the Rijksmuseum, is entitled "Portret van Frederik I, koning van Denemarken en Noorwegen," dating back to between 1725 and 1794. It’s the work of Johann Martin Preissler and crafted through engraving. Editor: Frederick looks a little severe! It's like he's judging my very soul through the ages. And he is inside of something like a fake window. Curator: Indeed. The “window” frames him deliberately. Engravings like this weren't just about representation; they were crucial in disseminating images of power and solidifying dynastic rule. Think of it: each print an easily distributed symbol. Editor: So it’s all about the layers of production and the material distribution of power... I do appreciate the technical skill here; the detail in the robe is so delicate. But even without being told that it depicts a King I could already get some idea of high rank looking at all those details. Curator: Precisely. The very act of engraving and printing multiples allowed for controlled visibility. Also, the material itself impacts reception; the lines and careful etching speak of a craftsman’s labor devoted to idealizing monarchy. Editor: It’s fascinating how the choice of material shapes the message, right? How differently we would read that if we encountered it rendered in oils. Curator: Absolutely. An engraving also democratized access, even in limited ways. And while Preissler might have aimed for pure representation, the lines themselves reveal his labor. Editor: Okay, now that’s given me something new to see here! Thanks!