A. Colbjørnsen 1786

This is Georg Christian Schule’s etching of A. Colbjørnsen, now at the SMK. The entire scene is captured through dense, linear strokes. The ceiling bears a textured pattern, drawing the eye upward before the composition directs us to the gathering of figures below. Observe how Schule uses line and depth to create this atmosphere. The figures, though small, are rich in detail, framed by the architecture of the interior. The foreground is contrasted by the depth of the room. It is a study in contrasts. The play of light and shadow and the spatial arrangement create a structured, almost theatrical space. The use of hatching and cross-hatching adds depth and volume to the scene, contributing to the overall texture. The artwork invites us to consider the interplay between line and space. Notice how these formal elements work together to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.