H.E. Freund siddende i en sofa 1810 - 1848

Christen Købke captured H.E. Freund in a simple pencil sketch. The immediacy of the pencil on paper gives us a sense of the artist's direct observation. Look closely at the lines. See how Købke uses them to define form and capture the essence of his sitter. The quick, light strokes suggest a fleeting moment, a casual pose caught in time. The texture of the paper itself adds another layer, its subtle grain visible beneath the graphite. But beyond the technique, think about the social context. Pencil sketches like this were often preliminary studies, a way for artists to work out ideas before committing to a larger, more formal painting. It's a glimpse into the artist's process, a moment of intimacy between artist and subject. It reminds us that art isn't just about the finished product, but also about the labor and the choices that go into its creation. By valuing these seemingly simple acts of making, we expand our understanding of art history, and the hierarchies that often separate fine art from craft.