Overhofmarskal A.W. von Hauch 1833

Curator: This is a lithograph by David Monies, dating back to 1833. It depicts Overhofmarskal A.W. von Hauch, and currently resides in the collection of the SMK, the Statens Museum for Kunst. Editor: He certainly looks…imposing. Stern. There's a rigidness to his posture, and the sharp contrasts in the lithography only amplify that sense of formality. Curator: Monies worked extensively as a portraitist. As Overhofmarskal, von Hauch occupied a high-ranking position within the Danish Royal Court, reflected in the regalia he wears. Prints like these served as vital visual representations of power and status in the early 19th century. They were tools of social communication. Editor: I'm struck by how the artist captures the textures—the velvet of his coat, the intricate weave of his sash, the subtle gradations of his skin. Lithography seems particularly well-suited to render these nuances, and the effect is almost photographic, imbuing this image with a sense of “realness." Yet it does raise questions about who is memorialized in such works. Who gets their story told and celebrated? Curator: Precisely. It's essential to acknowledge the historical context. Portraiture, especially printed portraits, served a specific function within a hierarchical society. This image was commissioned by and circulated among a particular elite. While offering incredible insights into the appearance and social standing of figures like von Hauch, it implicitly excluded a vast segment of the population. Editor: Looking at his face, I wonder what stories it holds. The tight-lipped expression hides as much as it reveals, but he bears an unwavering determination. Curator: Indeed, perhaps it is that tension, the balance between what is shown and what is withheld, that makes this print so compelling. It presents us with an opportunity to consider not only the life of one man, but also the structures that shaped his world. Editor: It's fascinating how this portrait captures an individual while simultaneously reminding us of the systems that defined his identity and position within society. A powerful commentary on representation and power.