Bladstudier påført farveangivelser 1838 - 1839

Christen Købke made this leaf study with graphite on paper. The drawing reflects an increasing interest in naturalism during the Danish Golden Age. As the art world shifted away from mythological and historical subjects, artists turned to landscapes and detailed studies of nature. Købke was studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts at the time. The academy, like others across Europe, was trying to negotiate the expectations of their patrons with a growing sense of social realism, creating a tension between the traditional art establishment and the rise of Romanticism. This detailed botanical study represents both a move towards realism, and the historic importance of botanical illustration. To fully understand Köbke's leaf studies, we need to consider the botanical and artistic conventions of 19th-century Denmark. We might consult the Academy’s records, for example, to understand how the curriculum shaped his artistic choices. Understanding the social and institutional context helps us to more fully appreciate this drawing.