Birgitte Bille-Brahe 1845

This lithograph of Birgitte Bille-Brahe was created by an anonymous artist, and it gives us an insight into the life of 19th century Danish aristocracy. Although the artist is unknown, this work is an example of how lithography allowed for the wider circulation of portraits and other images. This has implications for the way Danish society and its elites reproduced themselves and maintained their authority. The portrait depicts Birgitte in fine clothing and jewelry. It is designed to communicate the sitter’s status. Aristocratic identity was often performed through the display of material wealth and this image shows how printmaking techniques were used to reinforce established social hierarchies. Delving into the archives of the Danish aristocracy, consulting historical fashion studies, and researching the history of printmaking in Denmark can shed light on the social and institutional contexts of this artwork. We are then able to consider how it functioned within its own time and place.