Udsigt over Refsnæs mod Samsø 1843

Johan Thomas Lundbye made this landscape drawing with graphite on paper, providing a subtle depiction of the Danish coastline. Lundbye's choice of graphite allows for a remarkable level of detail in representing the landscape's contours and textures. We see a close relationship between the artwork and the modes of production, where issues like labor and class appear in the work, reflective of the time it was made. The thin lines of the graphite capture the play of light and shadow on the land, giving it a sense of depth and atmosphere. The paper, as a ground, adds a tactile dimension to the piece, its surface texture influencing the way the graphite adheres and creates subtle gradations of tone. The conscious use of materials and the labor that goes into creating the artwork, reflect Lundbye's commitment to capturing the beauty and essence of the Danish landscape, while challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.