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

Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg's 1844 painting, "Christian VIII Aboard his Steamship ‘Ægir’ Watching the Manoeuvres of a Squadron near Copenhagen," depicts a scene of maritime power. The Danish King Christian VIII observes a squadron of ships from the deck of his steamship, the "Ægir," which dominates the foreground. The painting captures the transition to a more modern era of naval warfare with the inclusion of steam-powered vessels. Eckersberg's detailed rendering of the ships, the calm waters, and the smoke trails create a sense of grandeur and authority, underscoring the king's presence and his command of the Danish fleet.