Portret van Christiaan III, koning van Denemarken en Noorwegen 1725 - 1794

This is Johann Martin Preissler’s portrait of Christian III, King of Denmark and Norway, created with etching. Preissler was active in the 18th century, a time of significant social hierarchy and displays of power. In this print, Christian III is framed within an architectural structure, emphasizing his importance and separation from the common viewer. The meticulous detail in his garments, from the fur trim to the feathered hat, denotes wealth and status. But it also invites us to consider what isn't immediately visible. Christian III played a key role in the Reformation in Denmark-Norway, a complex period that reshaped religious, social, and political identities. By establishing Lutheranism as the state religion, he set a precedent that profoundly influenced the cultural and religious identity of his kingdom. Beyond this, this print, and others like it, serve as historical documents, reflecting the norms, values, and power structures of their time. It invites us to reflect on the legacies of power, and the intertwined threads of history, identity, and representation.