Christian Johan Bredsdorff 1819 - 1895

This is Ferdinand Richardt’s portrait of Christian Johan Bredsdorff, an engraving held at the SMK. Look at the sitter's collar. It is a symbol of clerical authority, yet it also speaks to a more ancient concept, that of purity and distinction. Consider the ruffs seen in 16th-century portraits of nobles. These elaborate collars, too, were a display of status, creating a visual barrier, setting the wearer apart. These collars are all related. They represent a desire to separate oneself, whether through piety or social rank. The cross worn on Bredsdorff's chest is equally significant. A symbol of Christian faith and sacrifice, it is a motif echoed across centuries, from the jeweled crucifixes of medieval monarchs to the simple wooden crosses carried by pilgrims. This symbol carries a profound emotional weight, embodying the idea of suffering and redemption. This is a symbol that resonates with viewers, tapping into deep-seated cultural and psychological associations. Symbols such as these resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.