En påfuglehan 1839

This drawing, "En påfuglehan", was made by Johan Thomas Lundbye in 1839. The delicacy of line in sepia ink gives the peacock a stately air. Note how the thin strokes create the body of the bird with an economy of means. Lundbye uses line to define form, but also to suggest texture, especially in the tail feathers where each stroke is distinct yet contributes to an overall sense of volume and weight. The artist does not rely on shading or elaborate detail; instead, he distills the peacock's form to its essential elements, achieving a balance between representation and abstraction. The composition directs our gaze along the graceful curve of the peacock's neck and down its elegant tail. This sinuous line lends the drawing a sense of movement, capturing the essence of the bird's character through minimal, deliberate marks. It serves as a testament to the expressive potential inherent in simple lines.