Penning met een embleem en de namen van Deense koningen 1685 - 1720

This intriguing disc, made by an anonymous maker, probably dates to the 17th or 18th century, and is made from engraved paper. The image is a printed wheel charting the lineage of Danish kings, centered by an emblem of an elephant. Notice how the material of paper lends itself to the dissemination of information – a relatively inexpensive, reproducible surface that can circulate widely. The print medium speaks to a growing culture of record-keeping and perhaps even a nascent form of bureaucracy in Denmark at this time. The image shows the increasing power of the printed image, but it also points to how graphic design can both inform and possibly control a population. This modest object reminds us that even seemingly humble materials can play a part in larger social and political systems. It’s a reminder that craft and design are never far from the centers of power.