Vers på fransk og hilsner fra Bothilde Riegels Horneman samt Anthon og Hendrick Horneman 1788

Curator: Here we have "Vers på fransk og hilsner fra Bothilde Riegels Horneman samt Anthon og Hendrick Horneman," a piece dating back to 1788. It’s an inscription, a testament of sorts, rendered in ink on paper. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: It feels intensely personal, almost fragile. I'm struck by the handwritten quality; it speaks to a specific moment and a direct connection. Curator: Absolutely. Calligraphy, with its inherent performativity, was so important in that period. Look closely at the forms; it tells us much about the writers, who, through script, perform a kind of self. Editor: It’s interesting that the artwork brings together both French verse and Danish names. I wonder about the societal context and who it was aimed at; class and gender would undoubtedly shape interpretations of what is being said and who's saying it. Curator: Indeed, France had a strong intellectual authority at the time, so using French provides some sort of social standing to those writing. In terms of the people mentioned, the Horneman family was connected to many affluent trading companies based in Copenhagen and are thus figures associated with the public sphere. Editor: So, what might seem intimate here is simultaneously shaped by broader social aspirations. Considering it's a handwritten note signed by both a woman and men, it highlights complex family dynamics and gendered expectations for displays of affection, and their negotiations within family bonds. Curator: Precisely. This small document provides a surprisingly clear view of societal structure, the individual within it, and their relations with others. It makes the late 18th century Copenhagen quite tangible. Editor: A good reminder that even simple inscriptions reflect broader histories and power dynamics, if we take the time to investigate the multiple interwoven facets within it. Curator: I completely agree; it makes you question what is really being expressed versus what’s just performed. It's not just ink on paper; it's a script for social understanding.