Ontmoeting van Brandes met aartsbisschop Jacob Lindblom 1805

Jan Brandes created this drawing of the meeting between himself and Archbishop Jacob Lindblom using graphite on paper. The composition’s subdued tones and delicate lines evoke a sense of historical documentation. Consider how Brandes uses line and space to construct this formal encounter. The architecture is detailed with decorative flourishes along the ceiling, yet the figures remain sketch-like, with minimal shading to define volume. This contrast flattens the scene and positions the viewer as a distant observer. The composition adheres to a classical structure, yet Brandes disrupts expectations through his use of light and shadow, creating a dynamic interplay between presence and absence. Note how the spatial arrangement of the figures invites the viewer to consider the power dynamics. The drawing functions as a site where identity, representation, and cultural narratives converge. Through a close reading, we can unravel the layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple sketch.