King Christian IV of Denmark Judging Christoffer Rosenkrantz c. 1865

Wilhelm Marstrand created this scene of King Christian IV judging Christoffer Rosenkrantz using pencil and grey wash on paper. The composition of the sketch emphasizes the spatial dynamics between the king and his subjects. The King, elevated on a throne, is centrally placed under a canopy that serves to amplify his authority, while his subjects sit or stand on either side of him. The linear quality of the sketch, created through rapid and precise strokes, defines the architectural space, costumes, and individual figures, capturing the tension and formality of the moment. Marstrand uses chiaroscuro, playing with light and shadow to define form and create depth. The grey wash adds volume and texture to the figures and drapery. The visual weight of the king, both through his central placement and the darker tonality around his figure, commands the viewer's focus, underscoring his power within the courtroom drama. The artist creates a structured visual narrative that balances aesthetic concerns with the depiction of power dynamics, all achieved through the careful arrangement of line, tone, and composition.