Portret van Christiaan V, koning van Denemarken en Noorwegen c. 1635 - 1695

Christiaan Hagen created this portrait of Christian V, King of Denmark and Norway using etching. Notice the linear precision and the texture of the etching, which create a complex interplay of light and shadow, endowing Christian V with a sense of power. Hagen's masterful use of line and form constructs not just a likeness, but also a representation of royal authority. The strategic placement of elements within the frame, such as the crown and battle scene, serves as a symbolic reinforcement of the king’s dominion and military might. Hagen employs semiotic codes to convey specific cultural and historical information, which invite us to interpret not just the image, but also the values it seeks to uphold. The portrait of Christian V thus transcends mere representation, becoming a complex visual text that reflects the cultural and political dynamics of its time.