Christian VIII Aboard his Steamship ‘Ægir’ Watching the Manoeuvres of a Squadron near Copenhagen 1844

Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg painted Christian VIII aboard his steamship, ‘Ægir’, watching the manoeuvres of a squadron near Copenhagen. The flags of Denmark are the most dominant symbol in this artwork. The Dannebrog, as the Danish flag is known, is repeated in the different ships in the painting. As a potent emblem of national identity, it reflects a broader European trend of nations solidifying their identity. Yet, consider the flag’s predecessor, the vexillum. A symbol in antiquity, especially during Roman times, used as a military standard. As a point of convergence, a symbolic rallying cry to ignite patriotic fervor. Eckersberg evokes the emotional state tied to nationhood, which rises from a collective memory of triumph and tribulation, manifesting a powerful connection between ruler, nation, and subject. It represents a potent connection to their shared past.