Kuppel, Lucca 1896

Niels Larsen Stevns created this unassuming pencil drawing of the ‘Kuppel, Lucca’ while traveling in Italy, at the turn of the 20th century. Stevns was part of a generation of artists influenced by the social and political shifts of the time. The rise of nationalism, and the increasing awareness of social inequalities, shaped the cultural landscape, prompting artists to explore themes of identity, belonging, and social justice in their work. This sketch of the dome is a part of a travel journal, it can be interpreted as a record of his personal experiences and observations in a foreign land. The dome becomes a symbol of cultural and historical significance, a visual marker of Stevns's encounter with the rich heritage of Italy, and a poignant meditation on the themes of cultural exchange and individual identity.