Mogens Scheel von Plessen of Fussingø and Selsø 1744 - 1747

C.G. Pilo painted this portrait of Mogens Scheel von Plessen, of Fussingø and Selsø, in Denmark, during the 18th century. Such images of nobility are powerful statements, reinforcing social hierarchy. Here, the composition and accoutrements speak to the sitter's status. The confident pose, the expensive fabrics, the powdered wig, and the imposing frame all reflect wealth and power. Pilo was a Swedish-born painter who became a leading figure in the Danish art world, eventually serving as director of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. The academy itself played a role in shaping artistic tastes and standards. To fully understand this portrait, we need to consider the social and political context of 18th-century Denmark, as well as the ways in which institutions like the Royal Academy shaped artistic production and consumption. By researching the history of the von Plessen family, the Royal Academy, and the artist himself, we can better understand the social dynamics at play in this image.