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Jacob Binck

King Christian II of Denmark

about 1529
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
26.4 × 21.7 cm (10.4 × 8.5 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

King Christian II of Denmark gained his title through being elected by the nobility, instead of inheriting it. When he returned to Denmark from a visit to the Netherlands full of reforming ideas, his popularity plummeted, and in 1523 he was deposed and exiled. Jacob Binck produced several prints depicting this controversial figure, using drawings by the Flemish artist Jan Gossaert. This one was likely produced after Christian left Denmark. Though he, and later his children, tried to reclaim the throne, they never succeeded.

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