"Kiøbenhavns Skilderie". Nr. 6 1787

J.F. Clemens created "Kiøbenhavns Skilderie". Nr. 6 using engraving techniques. As we consider the historical and cultural context of this piece, it's hard not to see the roots of our contemporary fascination with image projection. Here, Clemens invites us to consider the performance of observation and spectatorship that was emerging in the late 18th century. The print depicts a man in a wig using a ‘magic lantern’ to project an image of a dining scene onto a wall. This projection is not merely a display of technological capability; it hints at the power dynamics inherent in image-making. Who is invited to the table, and who is left in the shadows? What narratives are privileged through this form of representation, and whose stories are omitted? The act of projecting an image transforms a private moment into a public spectacle, raising questions about access, privilege, and the circulation of power. The image serves as a reminder that the stories we choose to project reflect our own values and biases.