Gezicht op Kopenhagen 1570 - 1622

Editor: This engraving by Jan Diricks van Campen, titled “Gezicht op Kopenhagen,” dating between 1570 and 1622, presents a detailed cityscape. It’s incredibly intricate and quite busy, almost overwhelming. What social or political narratives do you see reflected in this image? Curator: This print offers a window into early modern Copenhagen, but not a neutral one. It’s crucial to recognize the power dynamics at play in its creation. The strategic placement of ships, the fortifications... They speak to Denmark's ambitions as a naval power and its assertion of dominance in the Baltic Sea. Who benefits from that projection of power, and who is excluded or marginalized? Editor: That’s a good point, I didn’t think of it that way. Is there anything else? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the artist’s choice to depict such a meticulously organized cityscape. What does it mean to present this image of order during a period of social upheaval and religious conflict? And how does the printing process itself—the act of reproducing and disseminating this image—contribute to solidifying certain power structures? What stories get told and whose get erased in this ‘objective’ view of Copenhagen? Editor: It’s fascinating to think about how even a seemingly straightforward cityscape can be loaded with so much historical and political context. Curator: Precisely! This print encourages us to examine not just what is visible, but also the underlying power structures and ideological narratives that shaped its creation and reception. We must engage critically with its depiction of Danish society, exploring how this image reinforced or challenged prevailing social norms. Editor: This makes me think about how important it is to view art, even historical art, through a contemporary lens to challenge historical perspectives. Thanks for your insight. Curator: It's been a pleasure. Keep asking those critical questions.