Tre voksne og to børn på en bænk ved et træ 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand created this pen drawing on paper, now held at the SMK, using delicate lines to depict a serene scene. The composition centres around three adults and two children positioned on and around a bench beneath a tree. The linear quality gives the drawing a sense of lightness, almost as if the scene is a fleeting memory. The strategic use of line directs our eye, creating depth and defining the figures. Note how the lines are not uniform; Marstrand varies the pressure, adding volume and shadow to the figures and foliage. This variation gives life to the scene, suggesting movement and the gentle play of light. The spatial arrangement here is intriguing. The figures are closely grouped, almost merging, yet the landscape behind remains sparse, creating a contrast between intimacy and openness. This dynamic is fundamental to how we perceive the scene. Are we looking at a moment of familial closeness against the backdrop of a vast world? This interplay encourages us to contemplate the relationship between individuals and their environment.