Grev Otto af Oldenborg og det oldenborgske horn 1862

F.L. Storch created this painting of Grev Otto af Oldenborg og det oldenborgske horn, using oil on canvas. Storch painted this historical scene at a time of rising nationalism in Denmark. Otto of Oldenburg is shown with a horn that later became a symbol of Danish national identity. The painting invites us to consider the formation of national identity and its visual representation. The scene presents a dramatic encounter in a forest, a common setting for romantic nationalistic art. The cultural references in the painting are clear. Otto, dressed in medieval attire, holds the horn aloft while a woman in a flowing white dress reaches out to him, perhaps representing a mythical or allegorical figure. Understanding this painting requires historical research into Danish nationalism, the symbolism of the Oldenburg horn, and the artistic conventions of the time. By examining these elements, we gain insight into how art reflects and shapes cultural values.