Skitsebog 1824 - 1827

Dankvart Dreyer made this sketch, simply titled "Sketchbook", using graphite on paper, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Dreyer was a Danish Golden Age painter, an era that saw the creation of a distinct national identity through art. This unassuming sketch offers a window into the everyday life of the Danish bourgeoisie. We see two figures, likely a young man and woman, engaged in conversation within a domestic setting. In the background, a simplified building suggests a comfortable home. The sketch's very nature as a preliminary work is telling. It reflects the era's shift towards valuing personal expression. Artists began to prioritize the individual's perception and the intimate experience, over grand historical narratives which had previously been the art world's focus. To fully understand Dreyer's work, we can delve into studies of Danish Golden Age painting, examining the social and cultural values reflected in its artistic output. By exploring these resources, we gain a deeper appreciation for how art both reflects and shapes its cultural context.