Christian I 1750s

Jonas Haas created this engraving of Christian I in the 18th century. He was working in a society deeply entrenched in its understanding of power. The print portrays Christian I, King of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, in full armor with a sword, beside a crucifix. Christian’s gaze is directed slightly off to the side, creating a sense of depth and contemplation. Christian's identity as a powerful monarch is constructed through symbols of both royal authority and religious piety. However, these portrayals are not without their complexities. The figure of the King is idealized, possibly obscuring more nuanced aspects of his reign. Haas’s print offers an intimate and emotional connection to the past. What does it mean to look back at the past through this lens? The piece prompts us to consider how leaders are remembered and the narratives that shape their legacies.