Udkast til freskerne i Viborg Domkirke. Søndre korsarms vægge 1897

Joakim Skovgaard created this watercolor study of the south transept walls for the Viborg Cathedral frescoes. The design presents three arched panels depicting biblical scenes, framed by a structural depiction of stone walls and windows. The muted color palette, dominated by earthy tones and blues, creates a serene, contemplative atmosphere. Skovgaard's composition divides the pictorial space into distinct registers, using architectural elements to separate narrative segments. The frescoes’ design embodies a visual theology, employing semiotic codes to communicate religious narratives. The Last Supper, the Temptation of Christ, and other scenes are not merely illustrations but symbolic representations of Christian doctrine. Skovgaard uses the formal structure of the fresco layout to reinforce these symbolic meanings, inviting viewers to interpret the relationship between the depicted stories and their broader theological implications. Consider how Skovgaard's design functions as a cohesive whole, where each formal element contributes to the overall meaning, engaging the viewer in a dialogue between aesthetic experience and theological understanding.