Parti fra Dyrehaven med rådyr i en lysning. 1860 - 1875

P.C. Skovgaard made this drawing of deer in Dyrehaven using graphite on paper. The artist skillfully used a humble material to create an enchanting scene of the natural world. Skovgaard’s choice of graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, capturing the soft light filtering through the trees and the delicate texture of the deer’s fur. Graphite is nothing if not versatile; its capacity to create everything from faint impressions to dense blacks is clear here. But the choice of such a common material also puts Skovgaard’s drawing in dialogue with the rise of industrial production. Graphite, mass-produced in pencils, became widely accessible during the 19th century. This landscape is not only a celebration of nature, but also an example of the democratization of artmaking. Skovgaard elevates this everyday material through his technique, and reminds us that artistic vision can transform even the most common materials.