Siddende dalkarl med hatten på knæene 1851

Wilhelm Marstrand made this drawing of a seated Dalkarl holding his hat on his knees. The Dalkarl is a member of the peasantry of Dalarna, a region in central Sweden known for its distinctive folk culture and traditions. This sketch on paper offers a glimpse into the world of 19th-century artistic practice, revealing how the artist engages with the working classes. The strokes, lines, and subtle shading give a sense of depth and volume to the figure. The materiality of the paper itself is important; its surface allows the pencil to glide, capturing the details of the Dalkarl’s face, clothing, and posture with precision. Marstrand’s attention to detail reflects the values and aesthetics of academic art training. By depicting the working class, Marstrand elevates them as worthy subjects of artistic representation, challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world. This interest in the lives of ordinary people reflects broader social and political movements of the time, including growing awareness of class divisions, and questions traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.