Kong Christian VII 1776 - 1779

J.F. Clemens created this engraving of Kong Christian VII. The portrait presents a profile view of the King, framed by an oval border and topped with the royal crown. Christian VII ruled during a time of significant social and political change, including the influence of the Enlightenment and growing calls for reform. What does it mean to lead a nation when your own mental state is precarious? Christian VII was known to have mental health struggles, and while he remained King, he was seen as unfit to rule. Those around him, wealthy men from powerful families, maneuvered to fill the power vacuum. How might it feel to be a man, and a King, stripped of your agency? Consider the weight of the crown, both literally and figuratively, in a society grappling with evolving ideas of power and governance. This image captures a moment in time and also hints at the complex interplay between personal identity and the demands of leadership.