Bernstorffs mindestøtte 1783

This print by Georg Christian Schule depicts Bernstorffs mindestøtte, a memorial for a Danish statesman. At its base, the monument features agricultural tools, and at its peak, a wreath adorns the top of the obelisk. The obelisk itself, an ancient Egyptian form, speaks of eternity and remembrance. Consider how this shape, born from the banks of the Nile, found new life here as a symbol of civic virtue. The agricultural tools are not mere decoration; they evoke the idea of progress and prosperity, a testament to Bernstorff's contributions. This motif can be compared with classical depictions of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. In ancient times, she was represented carrying wheat stalks which meant abundance and nourishment. When we see an evolved form of this fertility symbol being used in more modern monuments, it is clear that a psychological bridge has been constructed between the two cultures. The collective memory subconsciously links the concept of nourishment to the prosperity of the Danish state, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The wreath too, recalls laurel wreaths of antiquity, a crown for victors and heroes. These symbols have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.