Studieblad med Dalarfolk 1851

Wilhelm Marstrand sketched "Studieblad med Dalarfolk" using pencil on paper. Marstrand lived during the 19th century, a time of growing national romanticism throughout Europe, where artists turned to folklore. Here, we see studies of people from the Dalarna region in Sweden. During the 1800s, regional folk costumes became symbols of cultural identity and were idealized for their authenticity. But these representations often glossed over the complexities of rural life, class divisions, and the impact of industrialization. In his paintings, Marstrand often focused on everyday life and popular culture, yet, this study brings forth questions about the gaze of the artist. As viewers, how do we engage with images of people from different backgrounds, and how do we ensure that our curiosity does not perpetuate stereotypes or erase individual experiences? This work serves as a reminder of the power of representation and the importance of understanding the historical context in which images are created and viewed.