Jordemoderen præsenterer arvingen 1810 - 1873

This drawing, titled "Jordemoderen præsenterer arvingen," or "The Midwife Presents the Heir," was made by Wilhelm Marstrand using pen and ink on paper. Look closely, and you'll notice that the ink is applied with a variety of marks—rapid, thin lines in some areas, thicker and more deliberate strokes in others. This reflects the speed at which Marstrand worked, perhaps capturing a fleeting moment of domestic life. The linear quality emphasizes the volume and the texture of the figures' clothing, as well as the details of the interior. The lines also have a clear social significance. Notice that the composition includes a midwife, parents and child set against a domestic interior, complete with doorframe, bookshelves, table and chairs. The relative luxury of these material goods indicates the family's social class. By understanding how "The Midwife Presents the Heir" was made, and the cultural context from which its materials are drawn, we gain a deeper insight into the artwork's aesthetic value, as well as a broader historical understanding.