Dans uden for et osteri 1810 - 1873

This drawing, ‘Dance outside a tavern’ by Wilhelm Marstrand, is made with graphite on paper. The graphic medium has a directness to it, which is clear to see in the artist’s rapid execution and the simplicity of materials. The texture of the paper gives the artwork a unique quality, absorbing the graphite in subtle ways and contributing to the overall aesthetic. The artist has exploited the inherent qualities of the material to add depth and dimension to the composition through mark making. The medium invites us to consider the amount of work involved in the production process, and the level of detail in the finished product. The artist has used techniques such as hatching to build up tone and form, and the skilled handling of the graphite is evident in the subtle gradations of light and shadow. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of the artwork.