Kong Hans 1841

Carl Peter Theodor Rothweiler made this portrait of Kong Hans, or King John, in Denmark, using engraving. The print depicts the king in armour, framed by heraldic symbols and gothic motifs. Rothweiler was working in the mid-19th century, at a time when national romanticism was on the rise across Europe. This movement often looked back to the medieval period for inspiration, idealizing national history and myth. Rothweiler's choice to depict King John, who ruled in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, reflects this trend. The print's style, with its emphasis on historical accuracy and idealized imagery, suggests an attempt to construct a visual narrative of Danish national identity. The use of heraldry and gothic motifs evokes a sense of tradition, legitimacy and continuity. To fully understand this artwork, one might look into the history of Danish national romanticism, the visual culture of 19th-century portraiture, and the role of institutions like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in shaping national identity.