Regina Tutein 1864

This lithograph of Regina Tutein was created by an anonymous artist, and we can use it to explore the visual and cultural codes of 19th century Denmark. The portrait itself speaks to the social standing of the sitter. Her refined features, elegant dress, and composed demeanor all work to communicate her status within Danish society. But perhaps more interestingly, the anonymity of the artist highlights the way in which institutions shaped artistic production. Lithography emerged as a popular and accessible medium, and it democratized portraiture, making it available to a wider segment of the population. So, while this image upholds conservative values by presenting an image of bourgeois respectability, it also reflects the changing social landscape of the time. To fully understand this artwork, we would need to delve into the history of printmaking, portraiture, and the social dynamics of 19th century Denmark. The meaning of this lithograph is contingent on its specific social and institutional context, which historians can uncover with meticulous research.