Skitsebog 18, 1840 1840

Lorenz Frølich made this sketchbook in 1840, using traditional drawing media of graphite or lead. The delicate lines and shading bring to life the artist's fleeting ideas, anatomical studies, and observational sketches, inviting us into his creative process. The sketchbook format itself is significant. Unlike a carefully worked-up painting, the sketchbook is a space for experimentation and informal exploration. Look closely, and you’ll notice the cross-hatching technique used to build up tone and create depth. The directness of the medium allows us to see the artist's hand at work, capturing the immediacy of his vision. The worn edges and soft patina of the paper speak to the passage of time, reminding us of the sketchbook's intimate nature as a personal record of Frølich’s artistic journey. Considering the material and making of this piece allows us to appreciate the value of the artist's everyday work, alongside the finished work in the gallery.