Prof. Dr. phil. Frederik Lange 1831 - 1874

J.C. Nielsen rendered this engraving of Prof. Dr. phil. Frederik Lange in the mid-19th century. Lange, a man of obvious stature and intellect, is captured with a stern gaze, his high collar and heavy coat marking him as a figure of authority within the social hierarchy of the time. Consider the weight of representation in an era defined by burgeoning nationalism and entrenched social roles. This portrait reflects not just an individual, but the values and expectations placed upon educated men in 19th-century Denmark. Lange's identity is carefully constructed, embodying the ideals of intellectual rigor, social responsibility, and patriarchal dominance. The detailed etching, with its stark contrasts, serves to solidify Lange’s presence, anchoring him in the collective consciousness. Nielsen’s work thus becomes an artifact of its time, laden with the implications of class, knowledge, and power, inviting us to reflect on the societal structures that shaped both artist and subject.