Oprettelsen af det kgl. bibliotek 1781 - 1784

"Oprettelsen af det kgl. bibliotek" (The Creation of the Royal Library) is a 1781-1784 drawing by Nicolai Abildgaard, a prominent Danish artist of the Neoclassical period. This drawing, currently housed at the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), depicts an allegorical scene, showcasing the importance of knowledge and the power of the written word. The composition features four figures, with a central figure standing at a table amidst bookshelves, while the others are engaged in reading, writing, or studying a globe, emphasizing the act of knowledge acquisition. The artwork is an essential example of Abildgaard's style, characterized by his use of classical motifs and emphasis on historical themes.