Qvamas kejser modtager gesandter 1786 - 1787

"Qvamas kejser modtager gesandter" (The Emperor of Qvam Receives Ambassadors), an etching and engraving by J.F. Clemens, depicts a scene of political intrigue. This 1786-1787 piece, now housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, showcases the artist's ability to capture the nuance of human interaction. The composition features a seated emperor, a standing ambassador, a bear, a dog and a chicken, suggesting an interplay of power, diplomacy, and animal symbolism. This artwork, measuring 184 mm by 121 mm, is a testament to Clemens' skill and provides insight into the political and social climate of late 18th-century Denmark.