Ved skovledet 1893

M. Therkildsen’s “Ved skovledet” is an oil on canvas painting that invites reflection on the materials and processes of its creation. Therkildsen meticulously applied layers of pigment to weave an image of leisure, with two women observing horses in a seemingly untouched landscape. Notice how the texture and viscosity of the oil paint allowed the artist to capture subtle gradations of light and shadow, lending depth and realism to the scene. The choice of this medium itself locates the work within a specific tradition of fine art, and a set of cultural values. But consider this: the pigments, ground from minerals and mixed with oil, were themselves products of labor and trade. The canvas, woven from flax, speaks to agricultural practices and textile production. Even the artist's tools – brushes, palette knives, and easel – represent a lineage of craft and industry. Recognizing the labor involved in creating art enriches our understanding of the art object.