En sovende hund 1832

This is a page from Martinus Rørbye's sketchbook, made with pencil and grey wash, portraying ships in Copenhagen harbor. The sketch, created in 1833, provides a glimpse into Denmark's maritime activities during a time of national identity formation and cultural shifts. Rørbye, who came from a family of civil servants, would become one of the leading artists of the Danish Golden Age. His travels to remote locations, such as Greece and Turkey, were pivotal in shaping his artistic perspective and reflecting Denmark's expanding cultural horizons. The image depicts a moment of transit and transition. What we see reflected on the water is connected to a world of trade, exploration and colonial expansion. The sketch also demonstrates the artist's fascination with light and atmosphere. The detailed rendering of the ships suggests a romantic inclination and perhaps a certain nostalgia for the sea.