Siddende kvinde 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand made this drawing of a seated woman with graphite on paper. It's a quick study, rapidly drawn, with soft lines suggesting the form of the figure. The artist paid close attention to the fall of light on the woman's clothing, using delicate shading to create a sense of volume. The visible texture of the paper adds to the sketch's informality, reminding us of the artist's hand. Marstrand likely executed this drawing as preparation for a larger painting. The immediacy of the graphite medium allowed him to capture the pose and expression of the model. In its apparent simplicity, the drawing reflects Marstrand's deep understanding of academic artistic traditions. Yet, it also has an off-the-cuff feel that makes you consider the role of labor and production in the art process. What seems like a simple sketch represents hours of technical training, and is an intimate window into the artist's process.