Figurstudie af kvinde til "Kristus velsigner børnene" (1937-38) 1935

This study of a woman was made by Niels Larsen Stevns between 1937 and 1938, using pencil on paper. Here, Stevns employs the humble medium of graphite to explore the subtleties of the human form. The texture of the paper itself contributes to the overall effect. You can see how the tooth of the paper grabs the graphite, resulting in a range of tonal variations that suggest light, shadow, and volume. The drawing provides insight into Stevns's process, revealing the artist's concern with line, gesture, and composition. We can imagine Stevns working rapidly, capturing the essence of the figure through a series of quick, expressive strokes. It's a world away from the slickness of mass production, and serves as a reminder of the deep history of the hand-drawn line. By attending to the materials and methods of its making, we can appreciate the way in which the artist has imbued this study with a sense of life, energy, and humanity.