C. C. Hall 1861 - 1865

Here we see an engraving of C. C. Hall, its origins are unknown, but it currently resides at the SMK in Copenhagen. Hall was an important political figure in 19th-century Denmark, serving as both Council President and Foreign Minister. The portrait is more than just a depiction of a man; it is a study in the visual rhetoric of power, prestige and cultural identity. Hall's severe gaze and formal attire situate him squarely within the visual language of elite European masculinity. The artist remains unknown, yet their hand played a role in constructing and reinforcing the visual codes of 19th-century Danish society. Consider how images like this contributed to the construction of national identity and political authority. What narratives do they perpetuate? What stories do they leave untold? This image is a potent reminder of how art shapes and reflects societal values.