Guldhornene 1805

Editor: This is "Guldhornene," an engraving made by Gerhard Ludvig Lahde in 1805. It depicts two golden horns. I’m really intrigued by the rows of figures and symbols along the bodies of the horns; what kind of narrative do they tell? What's your take on this? Curator: Well, these engravings document artifacts of immense historical and cultural significance. The original Golden Horns, discovered in Denmark, were potent symbols of national identity, particularly during the rise of Romantic nationalism in the early 19th century when this engraving was made. Lahde’s work here, however, does more than simply record. Consider that he produced it after the originals were stolen and melted down, hence it becomes a primary means of understanding their cultural value. What does that say about the public’s role in preserving history, in your view? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered that this print became a substitute for the actual object. So, is the presence of this engraving also a way to sort of… control the narrative around Danish history and its symbols? Curator: Precisely. This image circulates an idea of Danish heritage, shaping its reception and interpretation. How accessible do you think such a narrative would be to the common person? Editor: Hmmm… The detail would require skilled craftsmanship to be produced, but a print could circulate fairly widely compared to a one-of-a-kind golden artifact that might be locked up in a royal collection. I can see how it creates a specific visual language that can be spread. I guess I hadn’t really thought about the engraving as almost more historically significant at this point than the original artifact! Curator: Right. An artwork can act as both historical document and a political instrument. Understanding the context behind its creation really does reshape our understanding of what we are looking at.