Where can I see Trompe l'oeil of a Letter Rack with Christian V's Proclamation?

Trompe l'oeil of a Letter Rack with Christian V's Proclamation is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Trompe l'oeil of a Letter Rack with Christian V's Proclamation?

Trompe l'oeil of a Letter Rack with Christian V's Proclamation is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Trompe l'oeil of a Letter Rack with Christian V's Proclamation

Trompe l'oeil of a Letter Rack with Christian V's Proclamation is a photography by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1671 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1671, the trompe‑l’oeil titled *Letter Rack with Christian V’s Proclamation* is attributed to the artist recorded as 2588_person.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1671, the trompe‑l’oeil titled *Letter Rack with Christian V’s Proclamation* is attributed to the artist recorded as 2588_person.

Created in 1671, the trompe‑l’oeil titled *Letter Rack with Christian V’s Proclamation* is attributed to the artist recorded as 2588_person. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It presents a meticulously arranged tableau that mimics a wooden desk cluttered with papers, miniature objects and tiny portraits, inviting the viewer to question the boundary between illusion and reality.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a seemingly ordinary desk scene: scattered sheets bearing handwritten notes, a red hat, a small organ, and a miniature stage model. Two diminutive portrait miniatures—a man in a wig and a woman—are tucked among the papers. By assembling these everyday items, the artist creates a narrative of a busy workspace, while the inclusion of Christian V’s proclamation hints at a political or administrative context.

Technique & Style

The piece employs trompe‑l’oeil, a visual trick that renders painted or photographed elements with such precision that they appear three‑dimensional. Fine brushwork and careful shading model the texture of wood, metal and fabric, while subtle chiaroscuro enhances depth, making light fall convincingly across the objects. The meticulous rendering of miniature details, such as the tiny portraits and tools, demonstrates a high level of technical control.

History & Provenance

The work was produced in the late seventeenth century, a period when trompe‑l’oeil enjoyed popularity in Northern Europe. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it has been catalogued under its descriptive title. No further ownership changes are recorded in the available documentation.

Context

In 1671, Denmark‑Norway was ruled by King Christian V, whose proclamations often required wide dissemination. The inclusion of his decree within a domestic‑office setting reflects the intertwining of royal authority and everyday bureaucratic activity. The work thus offers insight into how official documents entered private spaces and were visually integrated into daily life.