SOLDIERS. ART AND THE DANES AT WAR 1848-1864
15 March - 28 July

The birth of modern Denmark coincided with the two Schleswig Wars (1848–1851 and 1864). At the same time, the Danish constitution, democracy, and freedom of speech emerged. In the midst of all this were Denmark’s soldiers: no longer mercenaries or forcibly conscripted peasants, but young citizens.
A completely new kind of image set the ordinary Danish soldier in the spotlight. Mass-produced prints depicted him in battle, on the march, and on guard, while paintings hailed him as the hero of the people. Yet there were also attempts to address difficult subjects, such as longing and grief.
With SOLDIERS, we delve into an overlooked chapter in Danish art and cultural history. How were the soldiers, their relatives, and the wars understood at the time? What blind spots were there?