Kunstnerens fader læsende 1810 - 1848

Christen Købke made this pencil drawing of his father sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It invites us to consider the social and cultural importance of the bourgeois family in Denmark at that time. Here we see a man of learning, a baker by trade, sitting comfortably, clothes slightly rumpled, totally absorbed in his reading. The picture testifies to the importance of literacy and learning in the formation of Danish national identity, particularly amongst the middle classes. The values of industriousness and domesticity are clearly on display. To understand this image fully, we need to consider its place within the wider development of Danish art and culture. During the 19th century, Denmark experienced a period of national awakening, where artists and intellectuals sought to define a unique Danish identity. By studying historical documents, literature, and other cultural artifacts, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its significance. This is just one small piece of the puzzle, but it can tell us a lot about social values in 19th-century Denmark.