Storfyrst Constantin 1860

Joel Ballin made this print of Grand Duke Constantin, likely in Denmark, sometime in the mid-19th century. The very concept of royalty speaks to the social hierarchies that dominated European life at this time. Looking at the image, the Duke’s elaborate military regalia is hard to miss. The details of his uniform signal power, wealth and status, reflecting the importance of military prowess and aristocratic lineage in 19th-century European society. This was a time of significant social change and political upheaval, and images like these served to reinforce traditional power structures. What is interesting is the production of this image in Denmark. What was the relationship between the Danish people and Russian Royalty? What purpose did this image serve? To answer such questions, a social historian might examine royal archives, newspaper reports and popular print culture of the time. The meaning of this image, like all art, is contingent on its social and institutional context.