Svane og hoveder af svaner 1911

J.A. Jerichau (II) made this sketch, "Swans and Heads of Swans" with pencil on paper. Look at how the artist has captured the essence of these creatures, likely working quickly, seizing a moment, an impression. You can almost feel the softness of the swan’s feathers through the gentle gradations of tone. What was Jerichau thinking? Maybe about capturing the shifting light on the water? See how the marks vary, from the delicate lines defining the swan’s neck to the bolder strokes suggesting shadow and depth. Each mark feels intuitive. You can sense the hand of the artist moving across the page. I think of other artists, like Degas, making quick sketches to work out how bodies occupy space, how they move. There is a dialogue between these drawings and paintings, both old and new. This drawing is like a prelude to something more, an intimate conversation between artist, subject, and the very act of seeing.