Arveprins Frederik 1776 - 1779

This is an engraving of Prince Frederick of Denmark and Norway, made by J.F. Clemens. The image presents a vision of hereditary power. Frederick is shown in profile, framed by an oval, above which sits a crown and feathered helmet. The formality and symbolism evoke the importance of lineage and the divine right of kings, ideas that were central to the monarchy in the 18th century. Yet, even as the portrait promotes royal power, it does so through the medium of print, which was helping to spread Enlightenment ideas about individual rights and democratic governance. The engraving was made during a period of social and political transformation in Europe, as new ideas began to challenge the traditional authority of monarchs and aristocrats. By examining the visual strategies employed in this engraving, and studying the wider context of its production and reception, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, power, and social change in 18th-century Denmark.