L. Holberg 1826 - 1893

This engraving of L. Holberg was made by Johan Frederik Rosenstand in the 19th Century. Rosenstand, working in a time of emerging national identities, immortalizes Holberg, a key figure in Danish cultural identity. Holberg, an intellectual and playwright of the Enlightenment, helped shape Danish literature and theater. Rosenstand’s choice to depict Holberg, signals a desire to connect with and celebrate a pivotal figure, but what does it mean to revive the image of a man who lived over a century before? Rosenstand likely grappled with how to represent Holberg in a way that resonated with contemporary audiences. The choice to use engraving, a traditional method, suggests a reverence for the past. How might this portrait reflect the aspirations and self-image of a nation seeking to define itself? Consider how Rosenstand’s work situates Holberg within a lineage of great thinkers, contributing to a narrative of national pride.