"Twe Patrioten" 1787

This small print, titled "Two Patriots", was made in 1781 by an anonymous artist, likely in Denmark. The image depicts two men shaking hands across a table covered in papers. The term "patriot" in the late 18th century often signified a progressive, reform-minded individual, not necessarily tied to nationalistic sentiments. The context here is the complex political landscape of Denmark-Norway, where debates about governance and reform were intensifying. The print probably comments on the political alliances or tensions of the time. One man wears a badge, possibly indicating membership in a political society, while the other is in military dress. We might ask, what specific reforms or political changes were these figures advocating? What role did such societies play in shaping public opinion, and how was the military perceived in relation to these movements? Understanding this image requires delving into the pamphlet wars and political debates documented in archives and libraries. Only then can we fully grasp the nuances of its message and its place in the broader social and institutional history of the period.