Overraskelsen 1510 - 1520

"Overraskelsen" (The Surprise), a pen and ink drawing on paper, was created by the Italian artist Ugo da Carpi between 1510 and 1520. The artwork, now housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, depicts a figure in a dramatic pose with a swirling cloak, seemingly caught off guard by something unseen. Da Carpi, known for his mastery of chiaroscuro and expressive linework, conveys the figure's surprise through the dynamic composition and the exaggerated gestures of the arms and legs. The use of hatching and shading creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer into the figure's momentary shock. The drawing is an example of Da Carpi's refined style and his ability to capture a fleeting moment with remarkable precision.