Frederik V's overfart over Storebælt 1749

Poul Isac Grønvold created this print, Frederik V's crossing of the Great Belt, an etching, that captures a moment of transit and transition. The Great Belt, a major waterway in Denmark, acts here as both a geographical feature and a symbolic space. In the 18th century, depictions of royal figures served to reinforce power structures and national identity. Yet, Frederik's crossing also speaks to the broader human experience of movement and change, evoking a sense of anticipation and adventure. Consider the emotional weight of such a journey. For Frederik V, this crossing was likely routine, but for others, it could have represented a life-altering experience of cultural or social change. The ships, the water, and the distant shores invite us to reflect on our own passages, both literal and metaphorical. The journey, after all, is never just about reaching a destination.