Kong Sigvard I 1646

This print of Kong Sigvard I was made by an anonymous artist, using etching techniques. It presents us with a fascinating, if slightly ambiguous, insight into early modern notions of Danish royalty. The image is framed within an oval border, inscribed with text, a conventional format for portraits of the period, lending the image an air of authority and historical weight. Yet, Sigvard’s representation diverges from typical royal portraiture. His attire is relatively simple, lacking the opulent finery often associated with monarchs. This could reflect a desire to emphasize his personal virtues. The Latin inscription identifies him as ‘Swardus I, son of Omundus, King of Denmark, very fortunate’. We can only speculate about the motivations and the patron who commissioned this print, but images like this one serve as crucial historical documents, providing insights into the construction of national identity, royal authority, and artistic practices of the time. By studying similar portraits and historical texts, we can better understand the complex interplay of power, representation, and cultural memory in early modern Denmark.