Jægersborg Slot 1746

Editor: Here we have Bartholomaeus Roque’s "Jægersborg Slot," a print from 1746 currently housed in the SMK. It's an etching, a cityscape in the Baroque style. The figures strolling the manicured grounds give it such an air of leisurely sophistication. What's your take on this work? Curator: This print provides us a fascinating glimpse into the performance of power and leisure in 18th century Denmark. Jægersborg Slot wasn’t just a building, but a carefully constructed stage for the aristocracy. Editor: A stage? Curator: Absolutely! Consider the medium – a print. Prints like this were widely circulated, showcasing the grandeur of the Danish court and, by extension, the King’s authority. It's about projecting an image, isn't it? Who do you think this image was trying to reach? Editor: Maybe the merchant class, or even other royal families across Europe, to sort of say, "Look what we have!" Curator: Precisely! It reinforces social hierarchies. The carefully posed figures, their elaborate clothing, even the meticulously designed gardens—it's all calculated to convey wealth and control. The image normalizes aristocratic privilege by portraying it as harmonious and natural. Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn't considered. It's more than just a pretty picture. Curator: Indeed. Think about the role of institutions like the SMK in preserving and displaying such images. They become part of a narrative, perpetuating certain values and ideals about Danish history and national identity. Editor: So even today, the piece keeps working as social currency. Curator: Precisely. Reflecting on how art reinforces power and cultural norms is something everyone should consider. Editor: That’s an eye-opening view, examining not just the “what” but the “why” and the “how” behind it all.