Udkast til "Kristus velsigner de små børn" 1937 - 1938

This is a sketch for "Christ Blessing the Children," by Niels Larsen Stevns, made with pen and ink on paper. The artist's process is laid bare, there's an immediacy and directness in the marks. The ink, fluid and unforgiving, captures the essence of form with bold strokes and outlines. The texture of the paper provides a subtle ground, its fibers drinking in the ink to create depth and shadow. The artist clearly worked quickly and intuitively. The chosen materials reflect Stevns' broader approach to art-making, rooted in traditional techniques, yet open to modern experimentation. His emphasis on capturing fleeting moments is mirrored in the spontaneity of the sketch. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us that every finished artwork begins with an idea, explored through humble materials and the skilled hand of the artist. It invites us to reconsider the value we place on finished artworks versus the dynamic process of creation itself.