Studieblad med heste, markredskaber og en høne på sit hjal 1847

Johan Thomas Lundbye created this study sheet with horses, farm equipment, and a hen using pencil. Lundbye, a Danish artist who died young, in 1848, was deeply invested in portraying the landscapes and rural life of Denmark. This drawing encapsulates the Romantic Era's fascination with nature and the pastoral. Notice how the detailed rendering of the animals and farm tools contrasts with the sketch-like quality of the surrounding space. This isn’t just a depiction of the Danish countryside; it reflects the era’s changing relationship to nature, where the ‘natural’ was idealized even as industrialization began to encroach. His images of horses and hens also evoke a sense of national identity. Through his art, Lundbye explored themes of belonging and cultural heritage that deeply resonate with the Danish people. Here, in this intimate study, we can sense the artist’s careful observation, and feel his deep emotional connection to his homeland.