En stående og en siddende mand 1825 - 1826

This drawing, by Martinus Rørbye, captures two men with graphite on paper. The casualness of the strokes and the use of paper, a relatively accessible material, offer an intimate glimpse into 19th-century Danish life. The materiality of graphite lends itself to the immediacy and spontaneity seen here. Graphite, essentially processed carbon, allows for quick sketches and studies, as opposed to the time-consuming and more expensive process of oil painting. It's a medium that democratizes art-making. The artist could rapidly capture observations, making the art more about the fleeting moment than the labor of production. Consider the social context: Who are these men? What are they doing? Rørbye’s choice of accessible materials invites us to contemplate the everyday lives of ordinary people, reflecting on the democratization of art and the shift towards capturing the essence of modern life. This work challenges traditional notions of art as a precious commodity, instead highlighting the value of observation, skill, and the ability to find beauty in the mundane.