Studie af ben og fødder til portrættet af madame de Prangins 1779

Curator: Here we have Jens Juel’s "Study of Legs and Feet for the Portrait of Madame de Prangins," rendered in pencil, dating back to 1779. Editor: Well, my initial impression is lightness, like capturing a fleeting dream. The pale lines dance on that blue paper, a study of movement frozen in time. It's strangely intimate. Curator: Intimate is the word. These weren’t meant for public consumption. It is interesting to see these private glimpses behind the scenes. This kind of drawing provides valuable insight into the creative process of portraiture at the time, right? It's a practical and intimate dance, documenting sartorial choices as much as anatomical detail. Editor: It really does whisper of corsets and carriages. You almost feel the rustle of silk. Looking at those dainty shoes especially! Beyond that, the anatomical reality that the elegance hides is pretty cool! A hint that everyone, even Madame de Prangins, puts their trousers on one leg at a time. Curator: Certainly. And it makes you consider the labor involved in constructing an aristocratic identity in the 18th century. It was labor intensive. These under-drawings often highlight this. Do you see any tension between the natural body, represented by these studies and the manufactured persona for which they would ultimately serve as a foundation? Editor: Definitely. But, to be honest, I'm more moved by the ethereal quality of the drawing itself. I can't help but drift away and fantasize. These feet—will they dance the night away, or maybe just stroll along the lake? I love the contrast. Curator: Absolutely. It is difficult to consider just how ubiquitous portraits, especially among the elite, were at this time. I wonder whether that is why artists, like Jens, found little glimpses of liberty in preparatory sketches like this. The drawing offers more than just art history; it's like we can be a ghost, peering over the artist's shoulder as he conceives the likeness of his subject. Editor: Yes! A rare privilege, indeed! It is inspiring to see that sort of work underlying finished works! It almost seems to show even Madame de Prangins would’ve seemed more accessible with the layers drawn back. Curator: These informal moments open windows onto understanding how even simple things have much to teach us! Editor: They truly do. A secret glimpse.