Arendses sidste besøg hos Ewald ved dennes sygeleje 1863

Wilhelm Marstrand made this small drawing, "Arendse's Last Visit to Ewald at his Sickbed," using graphite or black chalk on paper. The drawing's appearance is directly linked to the graphic nature of the material and the artist's technique. The stark contrasts and the visible strokes create a sense of immediacy, as if capturing a fleeting moment. The cross-hatching and shading provide depth, giving the figures and the room a tangible presence. It reminds us of the rapid way sketches are created, perhaps in a short time frame, and with immediacy. Marstrand engaged with the traditions of academic drawing, a practice rooted in skillful hand work and precise observation. The economy of the marks reflect both the artist’s deep understanding of form and the emotional weight of the scene. Ultimately, understanding the materials, the making, and the historical context allows us to see the drawing not just as a depiction of a scene, but as a product of skilled labor.