Louise af England 1748

Jonas Haas created this print of Louise of England in Denmark sometime in the mid-18th century. It's an engraving, a medium well suited to the dissemination of political imagery, and this is precisely what we see here. Portraits of royalty reinforced a visual hierarchy, conveying status through attire, pose, and symbolic background elements like drapery and heraldry. Think of it as carefully managed PR, reflecting the sitter’s power. The composition is formulaic, fitting the conventions of royal portraiture at the time. But this also marks a moment of change. The Enlightenment was beginning to shift the focus to individual character. We can see this in the way the artist has focused on Louise's personal features, not just her royal status. To understand this work fully, we’d consult genealogical records and court documents. These provide insight into the cultural and political role of royal imagery, and the emerging ideal of the individual.