Køer ved en skovsø 1857 - 1860

P.C. Skovgaard made this drawing with brown ink on paper; it depicts cows by a forest lake. It is a study that utilizes common materials, yet, the grid that the artist has sketched in is a guide to transfer this drawing onto a larger canvas. The drawing is made using hatching techniques with a quill, creating tonal variation and depth through the density of the lines. Skovgaard uses the linear quality of ink to capture the tranquil scene, emphasizing form and composition. In contrast to Skovgaard's paintings, the immediacy of the material is evident in the artist's creative process. The labor-intensive process of painting is simplified. By choosing conventional drawing materials, Skovgaard blurred the boundaries between the preliminary study and the finished artwork. Appreciating the material qualities and creative processes offers a deeper insight into Skovgaard's artistic vision.