Besøg hos en magistratsperson eller advokat. Holbergsk sceneri 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand created this pen and brown ink drawing, ‘Besøg hos en magistratsperson eller advokat. Holbergsk sceneri’, translating to ‘Visit to a Magistrate or Lawyer’, sometime in the 19th century. The drawing's fine lines capture a scene of legal consultation, rich with social commentary. Marstrand's choice of pen and ink, a traditional medium, allows for detailed work. The artist's labor is evident in the intricate hatching that defines form and shadow. The materiality of ink on paper provides a directness, a sense of immediacy that invites us into the world of lawyers, clients, and eavesdroppers. Marstrand was deeply engaged with theater, and often depicted scenes from the plays of Ludvig Holberg, a Dano-Norwegian playwright. Here, the theatrical staging underscores the performative aspects of legal proceedings. The artwork also hints at the social stratifications of the time. By focusing on the materials and the making of this artwork, we recognize the significance of drawing as a means of both documentation and social critique.