Dakpannen 1875

George Clausen made "Dakpannen" using graphite on paper. Clausen was part of a generation of artists who turned away from academic styles and embraced more realistic, everyday subjects. This sketch of rooftops provides a glimpse into the late 19th-century shift towards valuing the ordinary. We might consider the cultural and economic shifts of the time, as industrialization changed urban landscapes and artists began to find beauty in these new environments. Clausen’s choice to depict such a common sight speaks to a broader movement of artists interested in the lives of ordinary people. How does the sketch convey a sense of place and time? The quick, light strokes capture the essence of the rooftops, offering us an intimate look at a world that was rapidly changing. This drawing serves not just as a study of form, but as a reflection of the era's evolving values.