Udsigt ved Bellevue 1826

Jens Holm made this print titled ‘Udsigt ved Bellevue,’ or ‘View from Bellevue,’ employing engraving techniques to produce multiple impressions. The image shows an idealized rural scene featuring livestock and figures in a pasture, with buildings in the background near the coast, under the Danish flag. Images like this played a vital role in shaping national identity and were especially popular with the rise of Romantic nationalism in the 19th century. This work offers a window into how the Danish landscape was perceived and promoted, particularly by the upper and middle classes. Holm’s print is clearly conservative. The print presents a harmonious vision of rural life, subtly reinforcing social hierarchies and established norms. It certainly doesn’t critique the institutions of art. To further understand this image, scholars delve into archives to uncover details about its commission, distribution, and reception. By investigating the historical context, we can better understand the print's role in shaping cultural values and national identity during its time.