Jeppe paa Bierget 1823 - 1831

J.F. Clemens created this print, Jeppe paa Bierget, in the late 18th or early 19th century. The print illustrates a scene of the comedy "Jeppe on the Hill" by Ludvig Holberg. The play, and by extension Clemens's print, offer a glimpse into the social hierarchies of the time. We see a group of men, presumably of higher social standing, watching a woman's distress with amusement while an inebriated Jeppe, sits nearby gesturing wildly. This dynamic reveals the power imbalances inherent in class distinctions. It highlights the ways in which those in positions of privilege can exploit and ridicule those with less power. The inscription underneath, "You shall have an accident, if you celebrate her", further underscores the vulnerability of the woman in this scene. Clemens encourages us to consider how societal structures can perpetuate cycles of abuse and humiliation. The artist compels us to reflect on the ethical dimensions of such power dynamics.