Studie til det Holmskioldske familiebillede fra 1787: en kvindearm støttet i en sofa, holdende en barnearm 1785 - 1788

This drawing by Jens Juel, a study for the Holmskiold family portrait from 1787, captures a moment of familial tenderness through the simple yet evocative depiction of two hands. A woman’s arm, softened by the fabric of her sleeve, gently supports a child’s hand. The composition is deliberately intimate, focusing solely on this point of connection, rendered with delicate pencil lines. Juel's masterful use of line and form conveys a sense of warmth and protection. There's a structural balance achieved through the contrast of the larger, stable form of the woman’s arm and the smaller, more delicate hand of the child. This fragment is intriguing for its concentration on a seemingly minor detail. It reveals the artist’s deep understanding of emotional expression through the human form. The drawing prompts us to consider how gestures can communicate complex relationships. It is a powerful reminder of the silent dialogues that exist within families.