Christian VIII 1842

Here's a portrait of Christian VIII, made by Johannes Møller, who was born in 1814 and died in 1885. It's painted on a tiny scale, only a few centimeters high. The choice of enamel is significant here. To create this work, Møller would have had to apply thin layers of powdered glass, fusing each in turn with a high-temperature kiln. This was a painstaking process, demanding precision and control. Enamelwork has a long history, associated with luxury goods and courtly display, making it an apt choice to portray a royal figure. The small scale of the portrait also speaks to its function. This was likely intended as a personal keepsake, a token of affection or loyalty. It reflects a time when images were precious commodities, made with great care and meant to be treasured. Looking at this portrait, we can appreciate not only the skill of the artist but also the social rituals that gave such objects their value.