Indkørsel til Københavns toldbod 1790 - 1793

Thomas Bruun made this pen and ink drawing of the Copenhagen Customs House. Although it isn't dated, we can assume it was made in the late 18th century, when Bruun was active. The Customs House was an important institution in Copenhagen, regulating trade and collecting taxes on imported goods. This drawing offers a glimpse into the architecture and activity surrounding this site. Look at the flags on the roof tops; these would indicate that the port was open for business. As social historians, we might ask, what social conditions allowed Bruun to produce this drawing? Was it a commission? Was it to be reproduced as a print? The answers to these questions lie in archives. By consulting maps, tax records, and other documents, we can learn more about the Customs House and its role in Copenhagen society, and about the public role of art in Denmark in the 1700's.