Frederik I 1849 - 1879

This is an undated print of Frederik I by an anonymous artist, held at the SMK here in Copenhagen. Let’s consider what it meant to portray power at this time. Frederik is adorned in furs and elaborate clothing, symbols of wealth and authority. Yet, who decided these were the marks of distinction and why? Portraits like this were essential in constructing and maintaining a ruler's image. As physical likenesses circulated, they influenced perceptions of identity and power. What does it mean to see Frederik presented in this light, knowing the realities of his reign? How do such depictions shape our understanding of history, and whose stories are prioritized in these narratives? The print invites us to consider the complex interplay between representation, power, and the construction of historical memory.