Studier af tre engelske skibe fra 1801 1799 - 1802

C.A. Lorentzen made this study of three English ships around 1801 with pen and ink. In this period, the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway was caught between the great powers of Napoleonic France and Great Britain. This drawing is not just a neutral record. The dates are crucial. In 1801, the British fleet attacked Copenhagen in what became known as the Battle of Copenhagen. Looking at this drawing, one can almost imagine Lorentzen sketching these ships, perhaps under orders, to gather intelligence. The precision and detail suggest a military purpose, documenting the enemy's naval strength. As historians, we look at such images not just for their aesthetic qualities but as historical documents. By consulting naval archives, period maps, and diplomatic records, we can piece together the story behind this seemingly simple sketch and understand its role in the complex political landscape of early 19th-century Europe. The study of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.