Titelkobber: En jubel-rose 1800

Georg Fahrenholtz created this copperplate engraving, “Titelkobber: En jubel-rose," around 1800. It presents us with a rose whose petals are inscribed with names and ages. Fahrenholtz lived through a period of significant social and political upheaval, including the Napoleonic Wars and the Enlightenment. The rose, a symbol of love, beauty, and sometimes secrecy, is here refigured as a celebration of life, with each petal marking a personal milestone. Look at how the names and ages intertwine, creating a sense of community and shared experience. During this era, commemorative art like this served as a means of preserving memory and identity. The act of engraving, with its precision and permanence, mirrors the desire to hold onto fleeting moments. Consider how this piece speaks to our own urge to document and celebrate our lives and relationships. It makes you think about how we use social media today to inscribe our stories onto the digital landscape.