Trompe l'oeil of a Letter Rack with Christian V's Proclamation 1671

Cornelius Norbertus Gijsbrechts' 1671 trompe l'oeil painting, "Trompe l'oeil of a Letter Rack with Christian V's Proclamation," depicts a seemingly real letter rack overflowing with documents, writing implements, and a proclamation by King Christian V of Denmark. Gijsbrechts, known for his mastery of illusionistic techniques, creates a sense of depth and realism, making the viewer question the flat surface of the canvas. The intricate details and scattered arrangement of objects, such as the quill pens, inkwell, and folded papers, contribute to the artwork's convincing illusion. The artwork, now housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with trompe l'oeil, where the artwork aims to fool the eye into perceiving a three-dimensional scene.