N.F.M. Rohde 1811 - 1879

Peter Gemzøe created this portrait of N.F.M. Rohde in Denmark in the mid-19th century using graphite. Rohde, a man of letters, is captured with the tools of his trade: a pen and a tankard of beer. The image presents us with an intriguing glimpse into the cultural life of the Danish Golden Age. The burgeoning bourgeois culture of the time saw the rise of literary societies and intellectual circles. Here, Rohde is depicted in a moment of contemplative leisure, perhaps pondering his next literary creation. Gemzøe's work, while seemingly a straightforward portrait, subtly hints at the social conditions that fostered artistic and intellectual production. The institutions of art, such as the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, played a significant role in shaping artistic careers like Gemzøe's. Understanding this artwork requires us to look beyond the surface. By consulting historical archives, literary journals, and biographical accounts, we can uncover the intricate web of relationships that defined the Danish cultural scene.