Kunstnerens selvportræt 1836

This is Christen Købke’s self-portrait, made with graphite on paper. The head and shoulders of the artist are presented in tight composition in the frame. Note how the artist uses dense, rhythmic lines to build up the form and volume of his hair, contrasting with the smoother, more subtly modulated planes of his face. This meticulous attention to detail is characteristic of the Danish Golden Age, reflecting the period’s broader cultural and philosophical concerns with realism and objective observation. Købke's controlled handling of graphite allows him to capture the nuances of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth. The drawing is not merely a likeness but also an exploration of the self through the manipulation of line and form. Consider how Købke uses the formal constraints of the medium to create a compelling image. The drawing engages with ideas about identity, representation and perception that continue to resonate.