Peter Collet ved Kobberværket Buskerud i Norge 1830

Martinus Rørbye drew this image of Peter Collet at the Copper Works Buskerud in Norway, in 1832. The drawing offers a window into the social and economic structures of 19th-century Norway. Collet, depicted in a top hat and long coat, is likely a figure of authority, possibly an owner or manager, symbolizing the ownership class and the social hierarchy inherent in industrial operations. The copper works itself, a symbol of industry and progress, sits in the background with workers and animals. The ducks could be a reference to the natural resources being harnessed. This drawing invites us to consider the social conditions that shaped artistic production and the public role of art. Historical records, company documents, and biographical information about the people involved would offer a deeper understanding of the drawing’s social and institutional context. This contextual understanding highlights how artworks often reflect and comment on the socio-political landscape of their time.