En døbefont 1838 - 1839

Christen Købke made this pencil drawing of a baptismal font while living in Denmark in the first half of the 19th century. The sketch depicts a classical-style font decorated with figures in relief, probably intended for a church. The Church in Denmark was a powerful social institution at this time, closely tied to the state and the monarchy. As such, the design of its furnishings, like this font, would have carried strong cultural associations with both religious tradition and national identity. Købke's choice to represent it in a simple drawing could be seen as a commentary on the church's role in Danish society. Was he celebrating its traditions or questioning its authority? To fully understand Købke's intentions, we need to consider the social conditions that shaped his artistic production. By researching church records, historical documents, and Købke's biography, we can gain insight into the complex relationship between art, religion, and society in 19th-century Denmark.