Frédéric Prince Royal de Danemarck dans le voisinage de Fredericsberg 1790 - 1794

Georg Haas created this print, "Frédéric Prince Royal de Danemarck dans le voisinage de Fredericsberg", capturing a moment steeped in the power dynamics of 18th-century Denmark-Norway. Haas, working in a time of aristocratic dominance, presents us with an image of Prince Frederick, heir to the throne, amidst his Royal Guards near Fredericksburg. But what does it mean to witness such a display of power? The composition, with the prince elevated on horseback, surrounded by his regiment, speaks volumes about the hierarchies of the time. It reflects not only the political power of the monarchy, but also the social stratification that defined the era. The artist invites us to reflect on the relationship between the rulers and the ruled. The emotional impact lies in the tension between the pomp and the potential for unease. It prompts us to consider the weight of responsibility and the burden of expectation placed upon those in positions of authority, while also highlighting the often-unacknowledged labor and sacrifice of those who served them.