Kongelig Schweitzer 1807

Editor: So, here we have Johannes Senn's "Kongelig Schweitzer," created in 1807. It's a drawing, a watercolour illustration if you will, currently residing at the SMK in Copenhagen. He looks so stoic. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: Well, I am immediately drawn to the materiality and construction. The watercolour application itself is fascinating, note how it’s both delicate and precise in depicting the military uniform. It brings into question the cultural perception of what constitutes ‘high art’ versus mere illustration. Where does Senn’s labor sit within this historical framework? Editor: That's an interesting point! It does make me think about how much time must have gone into painting each of these details to create such an exact image. I hadn’t thought about the labor behind it. Curator: Exactly. Consider, too, the social context. The availability and cost of materials like high-quality watercolour paints at that time would have determined who could create such works, who commissioned them, and ultimately, who was being represented in art. Does the stiff portrait style amplify or diminish the material realities for this particular individual? Editor: That's a really good point about the social context influencing art, even back then. Is it meant to just show his position or is there more? Curator: The subject matter itself speaks to military power, obviously, but it’s mediated by the consumption of goods associated with the profession - the uniform, the sword, even the walking stick. He is shown to own these material signifiers. What are your thoughts? Editor: I've never really thought about art as an economic reflection before, I have more to explore and study! Curator: Indeed. Seeing art through the lens of production and consumption can reveal so much about the societies that create and consume it.