Illustration til Ludvig Holbergs "Den Stundesløse" 1784

Frederik Ludvig Bradt created this illustration for Ludvig Holberg's "Den Stundesløse" using engraving, a medium known for its precise lines and tonal control. The composition presents a domestic scene, dominated by a structured interior space, where characters are arranged to convey narrative and social dynamics. The formal elements are meticulously organized; notice the tight, controlled hatching which defines the architecture of the room, contrasting with the softer rendering of the figures' clothing. Bradt uses line to delineate space and character, creating depth through the careful arrangement of figures and furniture. Semiotically, the lines that define architecture can be interpreted as representing the rigid societal structures against which the characters' interactions unfold. The contrast between the static interior and the dynamic interactions of the figures highlights a central theme of order versus chaos. The artist subtly critiques societal norms through the formal arrangement of the scene, revealing the tensions between individual desires and social expectations. This engraving invites us to consider how formal elements contribute to the articulation of cultural values.