Leonora Christina og Corfitz Ulfeldt 1754

Jonas Haas created this engraving of Leonora Christina and Corfitz Ulfeldt. The owl perched atop the image is no mere decorative element; it is an emblem of wisdom and vigilance, watching over the couple. Consider, then, the significance of this creature in antiquity, the owl was associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and warfare. Here, its presence speaks to the intellectual and strategic acumen of the sitters, perhaps hinting at the complexities and challenges of their lives. But the owl is also a creature of the night, linked to the subconscious and hidden knowledge. This duality adds a layer of psychological depth to the portrait, suggesting there is more to these figures than meets the eye, secrets of the heart and mind. Thus, the choice of the owl is not arbitrary. It is a conscious invocation of a powerful symbol, one that bridges the classical world with the personal narratives of Leonora Christina and Corfitz Ulfeldt. The image conveys a deep, subconscious message about wisdom, vigilance, and the hidden aspects of human experience.