Erik Vilhelm Robert Skeel, til Dronninglund 1858

C. Simonsen created this lithograph portrait of Erik Vilhelm Robert Skeel, who hailed from Dronninglund. In the context of 19th-century Denmark, portraiture was deeply entwined with social and political identity. Skeel’s confident stance, coupled with his tailored suit and waistcoat, speaks to his status within the Danish gentry. The detailed rendering of his features suggests an effort to capture not just likeness, but also character. How does this portrayal reflect the traditional representation of men in power? As you gaze at this image, consider the emotional weight of representation. This artwork, while seemingly straightforward, reveals the layers of identity, history, and societal expectations inherent in the act of portraiture.