Udkast til freskerne i Viborg Domkirke. Koret 1897

This is Joakim Skovgaard's preparatory sketch for the frescoes in Viborg Cathedral, made in watercolor and pencil. Skovgaard’s work emerged in a period of national romanticism in Denmark, which emphasized distinctive cultural identities. These murals were part of a larger movement to revive the cathedral, imbuing it with symbols of Danish history and Christian faith. Skovgaard’s personal faith deeply influenced his artistic choices, resulting in a focus on biblical narratives. The frescoes reflect an attempt to connect Denmark’s cultural heritage with universal Christian themes. The figures, while biblical, are rendered with a simplicity that reflects a distinctly Danish aesthetic. Skovgaard’s frescoes serve as a visual representation of faith intertwined with national identity. They evoke a sense of communal history and spiritual reflection. They offer a space for contemplating the intersection of personal belief and collective identity.