Jens Lassen & co. 1779 - 1781

Curator: The print "Jens Lassen & co." etched between 1779 and 1781 by J.F. Clemens presents a landscape dominated by a rather austere monument. My first thought is: who are the people whose names appear here? Editor: It strikes me as almost minimalist in its starkness. The material presence of that towering structure is quite imposing given the economy of line. I’m interested in the etching technique itself. Curator: Indeed. This work offers a window into the political and social dimensions of memorialization. Those names etched on its surface hint at patronage, class, and perhaps a subtle assertion of power during a turbulent period in Danish history. How might the construction and commissioning of such monuments influence the broader cultural narrative of the time? Editor: The crosshatching creating tonal depth also demands a look at labor! Consider how etching in metal can reflect or respond to contemporary advancements in metalwork, industry, or perhaps even commerce during that period. We need to think of artistic means and materials in relation to historical developments. Curator: Definitely, the memorial can become a cultural product. Who were these figures immortalized, and how do their identities align with the values that the ruling elite wished to promote through artistic representation? Editor: Right, but it also begs questions about value and use of resources, even within an elitist system of art production: Who was tasked to create this monument, and how did the specific needs of the patron impact how resources and labor are valued? The raw materiality of the etching plate is inextricably linked to these socioeconomic dynamics, especially considering it's part of a larger commemorative function. Curator: That's what makes this simple, yet powerful memorial thought-provoking even after all this time! A convergence of identity, power, material reality, all rendered visible. Editor: Yes, seeing the artwork is a starting point to critically investigating it. This interplay of materials and method with its underlying meanings expands how we conceptualize both the artistic work and its era.