C. C. S. Danneskjold-Samsøe 1838

Curator: The first thing that strikes me is how softly the light catches on his face, it gives a delicate almost dreamlike quality. Editor: Well, let’s give some context, shall we? What we're looking at is a lithograph from 1838 by Wilhelm Heuer, a portrait of C. C. S. Danneskjold-Samsøe. He looks every bit the part of a man in power. Curator: He does, doesn’t he? There's an unmistakable sense of authority in his posture. Even in lithograph, the way Heuer captures the texture of his coat, the almost foppish frills and decorations give a fascinating sense of the man’s presence. I think, in that sense, it's more successful than any formal oil painting of a man in a uniform might have been. Editor: Indeed, that almost casual impression belies the underlying structure of power being depicted. Think of the visual language here; even in the ostensibly democratic medium of print, it upholds very specific notions of class and status. I am curious to know if, in his day, he thought this was "just" a casual image! Curator: It really is amazing how the softness draws you in while also suggesting he knew he held all the cards. What is also appealing about the image is its inherent mystery, what lies behind the subject. I can imagine all kinds of different stories playing out there. Editor: Definitely a work that embodies its historical moment. We need art that speaks to power dynamics. What stories were they trying to tell about themselves, and what stories did they conveniently omit? These absences are just as crucial, you know! I love that his stern and direct gaze still prompts a powerful reflection and many further questions. Curator: I completely agree, there's a beautiful and unsettling dance happening here and within us! Editor: Exactly, may that waltz continue.