Studie af en mand og en kvinde set fra siden 1822 - 1848

This pencil drawing of a man and a woman seen from the side was made by Christen Købke. The image offers a glimpse into the sartorial conventions of 19th-century Denmark. We see a woman in a bonnet and long dress standing in profile next to a man in a top hat and coat. While a sketch, the precision in capturing the clothing suggests a keen interest in representing contemporary social identities. Købke, a prominent figure of the Danish Golden Age, was deeply engaged with the aesthetics of his time and place. His artistic education within the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts is significant. It was an institution that both shaped and reflected the values of Danish society. His work can be seen as a commentary on the social structures of his time, reflecting both the conservative and progressive elements within Danish culture. To truly understand the artwork, we can delve deeper into historical archives, fashion plates, and social commentaries of the period. What do these garments tell us about the social standing of those who wore them? After all, art is contingent on its social and institutional context.