Ridende bonde på en stejlende hest 1860

Wilhelm Marstrand made this drawing of a farmer on a rearing horse with pencil on paper. The monochromatic strokes create depth and movement, capturing the dynamic tension between man and animal. The artist’s process is evident in the visible sketch lines. These preliminary strokes suggest he was actively problem-solving as he drew. The thinness of the pencil lines contrasts with the weight and muscularity of the horse, creating an interesting tension in the work. Marstrand was a well-trained academic artist, but here, he’s using very basic materials – pencil and paper – to explore a subject from everyday life. This choice underscores the idea that significant artistic expression isn’t just about the medium, but the artist's engagement with it. By emphasizing the artistry in the everyday, Marstrand challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.