Hertug Frederik III af Gottorp 1650 - 1674

Mattis Petersen created this print of "Hertug Frederik III af Gottorp," currently held at the SMK, using engraving. Petersen was working in a period defined by rigid social hierarchies and the consolidation of power in the hands of the aristocracy. The portrait of Frederik III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, goes beyond a mere depiction of nobility. It reflects the cultural and political dynamics of 17th-century Europe, where images of rulers were carefully crafted to convey authority and legitimacy. Consider how the Duke’s clothing is rendered with such detail; what does this tell us about the values of the time? Portraits like these served as powerful statements of identity and status. They were often used as tools to reinforce social distinctions. The emotional impact lies in understanding the weight of representation during a time when images held significant political power.