Portræt af J. N. Madvig 1881

This is F. Hendriksen's lithographic portrait of J. N. Madvig. Hendriksen was active during a time of significant social and political change, capturing the likenesses of notable figures. In this portrait, Madvig is depicted with the symbols of his status. The medals and formal attire speak to his position within the societal hierarchy of the time. It is a traditional representation of power, reflecting the values and norms of 19th-century Danish society. Yet, there's also an element of vulnerability, as Hendriksen captures a sense of individual presence. The portrait invites us to reflect on the relationship between individual identity and societal roles. It prompts questions about who is represented in historical narratives, and whose stories are often left untold. While the portrait celebrates the individual, it also implicitly reinforces societal structures.