Monument à Strikklestad 1788 - 1792

"Monument à Strikklestad" is an engraving by Georg Haas, who was born in Copenhagen in 1756. Haas lived during a time of significant political and cultural change, as Europe was grappling with Enlightenment ideas and the rise of nationalism. This print depicts a monument erected to commemorate a pivotal event in Norwegian history; the death of King Olav. The monument becomes a focal point, drawing attention to its role in shaping national identity and collective memory. Looking at the people in the foreground, we can see figures from different social classes. Consider the artist's intent in portraying this social hierarchy and how it reflects the broader power structures of the time. Haas invites us to consider how monuments and historical narratives are constructed, and whose stories are elevated in the process. The print makes us think about nationhood and the politics of remembrance.