Kompositionsudkast til portræt i hel figur af Frederik den sjette som ung kronprins. Stående en face med højre hånd i siden og venstre støttet til et bord 1781

Jens Juel made this compositional sketch of Frederik the Sixth as a young crown prince. The artwork is made of simple materials, paper and ink, to depict the Royalty. You see an economy of means here, using lines to suggest the prince's stance, clothing, and surroundings. It’s a study, after all, likely for a more elaborate painting, and shows the amount of work involved in the production process. The use of ink allowed for quick and precise marks, capturing the likeness and details of the prince's attire. Yet this is not just about recording appearances. The material itself, ink, and paper also speak to the broader political and social context. Consider that paper, while commonplace today, was once a valuable commodity, and the ability to draw a skilled accomplishment. The artist's hand, guided by the commission of the royal court, translates power into a visual language, a process rooted in both artistic skill and social hierarchy. So, even in this preparatory sketch, we see how materials, making, and context intertwine to shape the meaning of the artwork.