Slaget på Reden d. 2. april 1801 1802 - 1805

J.F. Clemens created this engraving, "The Battle of Copenhagen, April 2, 1801," capturing a moment of intense naval conflict. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the dramatic interplay between light and shadow, immediately drawing your attention to the plumes of smoke billowing across the scene. Clemens masterfully uses line and form to structure the chaos of battle. Notice how the dense clusters of ships and explosions create a dynamic, almost abstract composition against the backdrop of a serene sky. This juxtaposition isn't just representational; it's a deliberate comment on the disruption of order by violence. Consider how the engraver employs a semiotic system, where smoke signifies not just physical combustion, but also the broader themes of disruption, conflict, and the instability of power. The artwork, therefore, functions as more than a historical record; it's a commentary on the volatile intersection of human action and historical change. The formal qualities of the engraving thus serve as a potent signifier of the battle’s broader cultural and philosophical implications.