Frederiksborg Slot 1735 - 1750

This is an anonymous print of Frederiksborg Castle, its date unknown. What does it mean to represent a building in print? The image depicts the castle from across the water, emphasizing its grandeur and imposing presence. Consider the role of the monarchy in Denmark, and the architectural choices that were made in order to project power. Prints like this one would have circulated widely, acting as propaganda that promoted the monarchy to a broad audience. They demonstrate the institution’s need to promote its image. As art historians, we can investigate who commissioned this image and what purpose it served. We can look at other images of Frederiksborg Castle to understand its changing representation over time. By studying the historical context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional forces that shaped both the creation and reception of this print.