Biskop Christian Michael Rottbøll 1768

This print, created in 1768 by Jonas Haas, depicts Biskop Christian Michael Rottbøll, a prominent professor and doctor of theology in Copenhagen. Its visual codes offer insight into the social structures of 18th-century Denmark. Consider the subject's clothing. His ruffled collar and buttoned jacket mark him as a figure of authority within the church. The backdrop, featuring books and a heavy curtain, signals a life of scholarship and relative wealth. The inscription below emphasizes his professional titles and affiliation with the Trinity Church, reinforcing his esteemed status. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating images of important figures across Denmark. To fully appreciate this print, one might consult church records, university archives, and biographical dictionaries to understand Rottbøll’s impact and his contributions to religious thought. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can better understand the political role of imagery.