Christian VII som kunstens og videnskabens beskytter. Allegori 1770

Georg Mathias Fuchs created this allegory of Christian VII as a protector of art and science, although the date of its creation is unknown. The piece suggests a great deal about the aspirations of the Danish court and its self-image. Christian is presented in classical garb, reminiscent of a Roman emperor, and is accompanied by allegorical figures representing wisdom and divine favor. The temple in the background and the pyramid on the left are further visual cues that emphasize enlightenment ideals and power. The image acts as propaganda, reinforcing the idea of enlightened absolutism, which was a popular idea among European monarchs at the time. The painting suggests that the King's power is sanctioned by both divine right and his commitment to reason, science, and the arts. To better understand this painting, it is important to research the history of the Danish court, and the cultural and political context in which it was created. The study of such artwork gives us insight into the relationship between art, power, and social ideals.