Don Quixotes hjemfart i studekærren 1860s

Wilhelm Marstrand made this drawing, Don Quixotes hjemfart i studekærren, using pen and brown ink on paper. The way Marstrand uses the pen creates a sense of spontaneity, almost like a quick sketch capturing a fleeting moment. The brown ink, with its varying tones, gives depth and shadow to the figures and objects, enhancing the overall sense of realism. The cross-hatching and fine lines evoke the texture of the landscape and the characters’ clothing. Marstrand's choice of materials is also interesting when we consider the story of Don Quixote. It reflects the intersection of high and low culture, a central theme in Cervantes' novel. The traditional, almost humble, quality of pen and ink contrasts with the grand adventures of the knight, echoing the novel's blend of satire and romanticism. This drawing, with its humble materials, manages to capture both the humor and the humanity of Don Quixote's world.