Pilastre fra port , Verona 1896

This is a page of sketches by Niels Larsen Stevns, made with graphite on paper. The quick lines and shading give us a glimpse into Stevns’s artistic process. Graphite, in pencil form, is a readily available material, connecting the artist to a wider culture of drawing and design. The use of graphite allows for easy corrections and changes, showing the artist's evolving thought process. The softness of the graphite creates a range of tonal values, adding depth and form to the sketches, capturing the details of the architectural pillar, emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow. These sketches show how he captured architectural details during his travels, and suggest his interest in materiality, form, and decoration. Ultimately, by focusing on the materials and methods used to create this drawing, we gain insight into the artist's creative process, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.