Klippen kaldet Jons Kirken i Ruths Sogn på Bornholm 1821

Søren L. Lange made this print of “Klippen kaldet Jons Kirken i Ruths Sogn på Bornholm”, or “The cliff called John’s Church in Ruth’s Parish on Bornholm,” sometime before his death in 1828, using etching and aquatint. This image gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of the Danish Golden Age, a period marked by intense national romanticism. Lange's choice to depict this rugged coastal scene isn't just about landscape; it's about constructing a visual identity rooted in the natural wonders of Denmark. Bornholm, with its dramatic cliffs and seascapes, becomes a stage for this national narrative. The figures in the foreground, dwarfed by the scale of the landscape, emphasize humanity’s humble place within the grand scheme of nature. There's a certain reverence here, a nod to the sublime power of the natural world that resonates deeply with the era's philosophical leanings. Through Lange's eyes, this scene becomes more than just a place; it’s a symbol of Danish identity, resilience, and connection to the land.