Kong Bjørn 1646

This engraving, “Kong Bjørn,” was created by an anonymous artist, and its dimensions are 140 mm in height and 100 mm in width. Portraits like this one reflect the period’s fascination with lineage and power. The engraving presents us with an image of Danish royalty. The visual language of royalty, with the crown and regal attire, reinforces the sitter’s authority. But it also asks us to reflect: How much of our understanding of figures like Kong Bjørn is based on historical fact, and how much is constructed through myth and representation? This image invites us to consider the narratives we inherit and the ways in which power and identity are performed and perceived through art. What stories do we tell about our leaders, and how do these stories shape our understanding of history?