Regnskab 1847 1847

This is a page from Martinus Rørbye's account book, dating from 1847. During the 1840s, Denmark experienced a period of national romanticism, where artists explored Danish identity and culture. Rørbye, however, was a cosmopolitan artist who traveled widely. The account book offers a glimpse into Rørbye’s daily life and artistic practice, recording expenses for items such as art supplies, studio rent and perhaps models. It humanizes the artist, revealing the economic realities that underpinned his creative work. The meticulous script and columns of figures contrast with the more romanticized image of the artist. What does it mean to see such a figure reduced to these records? Perhaps Rørbye's notes are not just about money; they are about the labor and the relationships that make art possible. They offer an intimate portrait of the artist, one that balances the creative genius with the economic necessities of life.