Ubekendt titel 1888 - 1938

This small watercolour shows a man with a dog sled, made by Jakob Danielsen sometime in the early 20th century. What strikes me is the tenderness of Danielsen's approach. He’s not showy with the paint, but there's a beautiful economy to his marks. Look at the way he suggests the vastness of the landscape with such simple means! Thin washes of colour create a sense of depth and distance, while delicate lines define the forms of the dogs and the figure. Notice the drag marks in the snow made by the sled, cutting through the landscape; this is a working image, an image of labour. There’s such a human quality in his touch, like you can see him thinking and feeling his way through the image. It reminds me a little of Marsden Hartley, another painter who found power in simplicity. Ultimately, this little watercolour reminds us that art doesn't need to be loud or complicated to be deeply moving.