Udkast med to figurer til Frigørelsesrelieffet til Frihedsstøtten 1790 - 1793

Curator: Here we have a preliminary sketch by Nicolai Abildgaard, "Udkast med to figurer til Frigørelsesrelieffet til Frihedsstøtten," made between 1790 and 1793. It's currently held at the SMK, Statens Museum for Kunst. Editor: Immediately, I feel this almost starkness, you know? Like the simplicity is really impactful. It is minimal, mostly ink, and that brown wash creates a surprising depth for what appears to be a quick study. I find the austere female figure really compelling. Curator: Absolutely. Abildgaard was a pivotal figure in Danish Neoclassicism, and this drawing reflects the ideals of the Enlightenment: reason, order, and liberty. It served as an initial plan for a relief intended for the Freedom Column in Copenhagen. He had an interest in conveying complex socio-political themes through classic forms. Editor: The way the seated woman—a figure of power, perhaps Justice—gazes upon the standing figure almost feels like a judgement, a moment of profound contemplation and maybe a hint of condescension? Also what is she holding out? I'm really intrigued about the story behind it. Curator: That would be the scepter or the caduceus and you’re on point, she symbolizes Authority guiding Mankind towards freedom, using reason to shake him loose of his primordial or carnal ties. You can tell from the other figures, he was exploring ways to represent themes of enlightenment and liberation within the monument's decorative framework. The column became a potent symbol within Copenhagen, even when he had changed many figures later. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. What is neat to me about seeing a piece like this now, you've got the sketch with a lot of negative space...almost the same feeling when observing digital renderings for projects on our computers nowadays. I have to say that with such a clear intent and concise medium this has aged rather well. Curator: It provides a tangible link to a historical period and ideological struggle, one captured during one of the more disruptive and formative revolutions that created our world as we understand it now. Editor: It's interesting how something created in service of monumental public art could be so raw, so elemental. Seeing his preparatory work really does make it stand the test of time.