Christen Skeel 1753 - 1754

Jonas Haas made this print of Christen Skeel, but when is less clear. Haas lived in Denmark in the 18th century, a time when printed images were becoming increasingly important in shaping public perceptions of people. Looking at this image, we see Christen Skeel in armour, with objects that signal military power and learning. This print may have served to memorialize Skeel, who had died some time earlier. It would have also acted as a piece of propaganda, reminding viewers of the Skeel family’s historical importance. The act of commissioning and circulating such prints was part of how elite families maintained their social standing. To fully understand prints like this, it’s essential to delve into genealogical records and other archives. These sources can tell us about the individuals and families who commissioned these images, and the social and political contexts in which they were created and circulated.