Læsende ung mand, siddende i en sofa 1810 - 1848

Christen Købke made this pencil drawing of a young man sitting in a sofa sometime in the first half of the 19th century. While the application of pencil on paper might seem straightforward, the artist's delicate touch yields a remarkable level of detail, especially in the rendering of the sitter’s clothing and the objects on the table. The subtle gradations of tone, achieved through hatching and cross-hatching, give the drawing a palpable sense of depth. But it is the context of the drawing’s making that really intrigues. Paper and pencils were becoming increasingly available during this period, due to the mechanization of production. This also coincides with the rise of a middle class with the time and resources to pursue artistic endeavors. So, in its own way, this drawing reflects the changing social landscape of the 19th century. By looking closely at the materials and methods of production, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance embedded in what might otherwise seem like a simple sketch.