Justitsråd Emanuel Bonnevie 1847

This is Johan Thomas Lundbye’s rendering of Justitsråd Emanuel Bonnevie, made with etching. Lundbye was deeply embedded in the cultural and political contexts of his time, marked by emerging nationalism and a focus on Danish identity. Here, the intimate portrayal of Bonnevie—absorbed in his newspaper with a dog resting at his feet—suggests a narrative of domesticity and the quiet routines of bourgeois life. Consider the power dynamics at play: Bonnevie, a man of status, depicted in a moment of leisure. Lundbye’s choice to portray Bonnevie in such an intimate setting challenges traditional representations of authority. How does Lundbye’s piece speak to the desire for national identity and cultural pride, while also subtly questioning established social hierarchies? The work resonates with a personal and emotional dimension, inviting viewers to reflect on their own place within the larger social fabric.