Rothkirck Wentzel 1720 - 1775

Jonas Haas created this engraving of Rothkirch Wentzel in the 18th century. Look closely, and you’ll see the Danish Admiral, Otto Rud, standing confidently with a cannon beneath his foot, the billowing waves of a naval battle behind him. This image encapsulates the power dynamics of its time, reflecting the social hierarchies and the celebration of military prowess which was very common. Yet, while honoring a figure of authority, the portrait also speaks to the complexities of identity and representation. Notice Rud’s confident stance and the trappings of his high status. How might this portrayal have shaped the Admiral’s public image and influenced perceptions of Danish power? Consider also how race and class intersect within this image. Who was allowed to be portrayed and celebrated in this way, and whose stories were left untold? This portrait is not just a depiction of an individual, but a reflection of the values and biases inherent in 18th-century society.