Karikatur af brødrene Ørsted. 1840s

P.C. Skovgaard sketched this caricature of the Ørsted brothers in the 19th century, a time marked by significant social and political change in Denmark. The drawing captures the brothers in a manner that seems to mock their status or character. One figure stands alone, seemingly dejected, while the other two are shown in what could be interpreted as a conspiratorial pose. This depiction occurs against the backdrop of Denmark's evolving national identity, where figures like the Ørsted brothers were influential in shaping cultural and scientific discourse. Skovgaard, known for his landscape paintings that often evoked national romanticism, here takes a different turn, possibly critiquing the societal roles and the perceived self-importance of these figures. The emotional undertone of the sketch hints at a more complex relationship between the artist and his subjects. The caricature doesn’t just represent individuals; it reflects societal attitudes towards authority, intellect, and the shifting sands of public opinion.