Wittekind 1779 - 1781

"Wittekind" is an engraving by Danish artist J.F. Clemens, created between 1779 and 1781. The artwork, currently housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, depicts a simple column with a pointed top. The inscription "WITTEKIND" adorns the base of the column, suggesting a connection to the historical figure of Wittekind, a Saxon leader who resisted Charlemagne's Frankish Empire. Clemens's detailed engraving showcases his mastery of line work, creating a sense of depth and texture within the minimalist composition. The use of a plain background and intricate crosshatching highlights the column as the central focus of the piece. This artwork exemplifies the style of Neoclassicism, which emphasized order, balance, and simplicity, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art.