Scene from The Merchant of Smyrna 1726 - 1782

This graphite drawing by Peter Cramer, a Danish artist, is a quick sketch for a scene from the play “The Merchant of Smyrna,” a popular Danish play by Ludvig Holberg. Created between 1726 and 1782, the drawing is a preparatory study for a larger artwork, a visual interpretation of a moment from the play. The sketch, held in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, showcases Cramer’s ability to capture movement and expression in a concise manner, characteristic of his draftsmanship. The drawing demonstrates the dynamism of the theater, capturing a scene of a play with its many characters, including the lead actor, showcasing the artist's use of lines to depict the play's emotions and intrigue.