Tordenskjold 1880

H.P. Hansen created this engraving of Tordenskjold, the famous Dano-Norwegian naval hero, sometime in the 19th century. The image presents a romanticised vision of military prowess and national identity. Made during a period of intense nationalism, this print invokes ideas of Danish strength. The portrait is set within an oval, an illusionistic window that opens onto a scene of naval activity, linking Tordenskjold directly to the sea and to his celebrated victories. The use of engraving, a medium often associated with official portraiture, lends the image a sense of authority. To understand this work fully, one might delve into the history of Danish nationalism, the role of military heroes in shaping national identity, and the visual culture of 19th-century portraiture. Only then can we appreciate how this image functioned within its specific social and political context.