Portrait of Princess Charlotte Amalie, Daughter of Frederick IV, King of Denmark 1755 - 1765

This portrait of Princess Charlotte Amalie, daughter of Frederick IV, King of Denmark, was painted by an anonymous artist, using oil paint on canvas. The inherent qualities of oil paint – its ability to mimic textures, capture light and shadow – are all on display here. Consider the layers of labor embedded in this image, not only by the painter but also by those who made the princess’s garments. The lace alone would have been incredibly time-consuming to produce. The cloth was likely made by an army of weavers, spinners, and dyers. These details draw our attention to the world of skilled craftsmanship and the complex economic systems that supported royal life. Through the materiality of the painting itself, we glimpse a society built on both artistry and industry.