Christian II 1870

Julius Magnus-Petersen created this portrait of Christian II using engraving techniques. While the exact date of this print is unknown, Magnus-Petersen was working in a period when Denmark was grappling with its national identity and history. Portraying Christian II—a king who reigned in the early 16th century—invites us to consider how historical figures are used to shape cultural narratives. Was Magnus-Petersen interested in the king’s reforms, or perhaps in the controversies of his reign? This image asks us to think about how masculinity and power are performed through portraiture. The king’s stern gaze and the formality of his attire speak to established ideas about leadership. Ultimately, this portrait is not just a depiction of a historical figure; it is a reflection of the values and concerns of 19th-century Denmark, and perhaps even an assertion about what qualities define a leader.