To skitser af rytterstatuer 1746 - 1828

C.A. Lorentzen made these two sketches of equestrian statues on paper, sometime before his death in 1828. The humble materials give us a glimpse into the artist’s process. The pencil lines are tentative and light, with some areas more defined than others. You can almost feel the artist’s hand moving across the page, searching for the right form. The grain of the paper is visible, adding texture to the drawing. The paper itself is thin and slightly discolored, showing its age. These sketches are not finished artworks, but rather studies for something larger. They remind us that even the most polished artworks begin with a process of exploration and experimentation. We are reminded of the skill traditions the artist has gained through study, and the amount of work involved in the production process. By looking closely at the materials and the making, we can appreciate the artist’s craft and gain a deeper understanding of the finished work.