Selskovegen 1905

"Selskovegen" is a caricature made by Niels Skovgaard. Skovgaard lived through a time of significant social and political change in Denmark, including the rise of industrialization and urbanization. The man depicted in the artwork is a well-dressed gentleman, his posture and stern gaze suggest authority or self-importance. Yet, the exaggerated features verge on the grotesque. Skovgaard perhaps critiques the bourgeois class, lampooning their perceived arrogance. The choice of caricature reflects a broader artistic trend of the time. Artists started using satire to challenge social norms. This artwork is very emotionally striking: it mocks its subject, but it also feels like a reflection of Skovgaard's feelings about social inequality. It raises important questions about power, representation, and social commentary.