Opstandelsen 1895 - 1896

Curator: This sketch by Joakim Skovgaard, made with pencil on paper around 1895-1896, is called "Opstandelsen," meaning "Resurrection." It resides at the Statens Museum for Kunst. Editor: It has such a light, airy feel despite the gravitas of the subject! It's almost dreamlike with these faint outlines of figures. Curator: Indeed, the pencil strokes almost evaporate on the page. Skovgaard was deeply embedded in the cultural moment of national romanticism and sought to use biblical narratives to express something universal about the Danish soul. Editor: Well, resurrection, across cultures, represents rebirth, renewal… Is it fair to say the figure in the middle with that distinctive halo, coming out of some enclosure, depicts Jesus? And an angel, too? Curator: Precisely. Iconographically, we see classic symbolism – the halo as divine light and the angel gesturing perhaps as a witness or herald of this momentous occasion. The very faintness gives it, dare I say, a kind of democratic appeal in a time of monarchy. Editor: I see the historical reading! To me, this speaks about personal hope. This wispy Jesus ascending hints at the Christian belief that transcends a moment in history and exists in our cultural psyche even today. The figures seem almost archetypal. Curator: Perhaps Skovgaard intended to subtly imbue national identity through religious narrative, which became politically resonant and helped build support during times of war in Denmark’s modern history. The placement in the national museum amplifies this effect even today. Editor: Fascinating how the ethereal rendering underscores not only the spiritual event but its lasting symbolic impact. It also softens, ever so gently, the harder religious narrative we're so familiar with. Curator: This piece then serves as an artifact but, furthermore, shows us that the church became so closely intertwined with the state through its ability to rally national morale during great social and political turmoil. Editor: Beautiful. From personal to political, Skovgaard really gives the cultural imagination free rein.