Blågård udenfor Nørreport 1740s

This print, "Blågård udenfor Nørreport," was created by Bartholomæus Roque in the mid-18th century. It captures Blågård, a country house located just outside Copenhagen's northern gate, owned by the nobleman Adam Gottlob Moltke. The setting reflects the social hierarchies of the time; the house’s manicured gardens and grand architecture signify wealth and status. Roque’s choice to depict the estate from a distance subtly reinforces this sense of exclusivity and inaccessibility. While the figures in the garden suggest a bustling social life, they also appear somewhat detached and formal, reflecting the rigid social conventions of the era. Although Roque's intentions in creating this piece remain ambiguous, it serves as a valuable record of the physical and social landscape of 18th-century Copenhagen, inviting contemplation on themes of power, privilege, and place within society. The image evokes a sense of distance and formality, reminding us of the emotional barriers that often accompany social stratification.