Hans Nansen 1779 - 1781

This engraving of Hans Nansen was made by J.F. Clemens, a Danish artist, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It depicts a memorial to Nansen, a prominent 17th-century Copenhagen mayor. But this isn’t just a portrait of a monument; it's a statement about civic virtue and historical memory. The neoclassical design, popular during that era, evokes Roman ideals of public service. The wreath symbolizes honor, while the austere lines suggest enduring respect. This image would have circulated among the educated elite, reinforcing shared values and a sense of national identity. To fully understand this print, we can delve into the historical archives of Copenhagen to uncover Nansen's legacy, as well as period publications that would reveal how the city’s leaders were represented and remembered. It's through this kind of research that we come to see how art shapes and reflects a society's values.