Hirschholm Slot, set fra syd 1740 - 1741

Editor: This is Johan Herman Thiele's "Hirschholm Slot, set fra syd," created around 1740-1741. It's an engraving, giving it a very formal, almost austere feel. What strikes me is the meticulous detail and rigid symmetry. How do you interpret this work? Curator: What I see is an assertion of power and control, very typical of the Baroque period. Look at how the architecture dominates the landscape, dictating its form and use. The print aesthetic, especially the rigid lines, echoes a societal emphasis on order and hierarchy. Do you notice how the perspective leads your eye directly to the palace? Editor: Yes, it's undeniable! Everything draws you in, making the palace the center of the universe. The people seem so small, almost insignificant in comparison to the building and garden. Curator: Exactly! These are not just aesthetic choices. Consider the political climate of the time, absolute monarchies were common. Rulers wanted to convey authority and legitimacy. Hirschholm Palace wasn’t just a home, it was a declaration, a symbol of divine right. In some ways it becomes less about domesticity and more about power dynamics. What message do you think that sends to the people? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way, it makes sense. It’s intimidating, almost designed to create a sense of awe, or even fear. It speaks to the power and control exerted by those in charge. I see a clear gender dynamic, the power inherent within patriarchal structures. Thank you! Curator: Precisely! Thinking about artworks like this allows us to understand how spaces can be politically charged, how aesthetics can reinforce social structures, and how history informs the present.