Moderen begyndte sin vandring 1895 - 1902

Editor: Here we have Fritz Syberg's "Moderen begyndte sin vandring," created between 1895 and 1902. It’s a pen and ink drawing, and what strikes me immediately is the sheer amount of labor involved in creating this landscape with such intricate linework. How do you see the making of this artwork? Curator: It's fascinating to consider Syberg's process here. The density of lines speaks to repetitive labor, almost industrial in its dedication. A "traditional" painting might hide its construction through illusionism; but here, the materiality of the ink, the insistent mark-making, are central to its meaning. Editor: So you’re saying the process itself becomes part of the content, rather than being secondary? Curator: Precisely. Think about the social context. This was a time of rapid industrialization in Denmark. How might Syberg’s intensive, repetitive drawing process relate to ideas about craft versus machine production, labor and leisure, hand-made objects versus manufactured ones? Editor: That's a really interesting point. The title itself hints at movement, almost like progress, but the laborious style gives it a conflicting feel. It's not the glorious march forward as commonly portrayed, is it? Curator: Exactly! Consider the woman walking in the landscape. Is she merely a figure *within* the landscape, or part of a comment on labor *in* the landscape? Is Syberg highlighting the sheer effort needed for rural existence? Editor: It definitely makes me appreciate how much an artist's choice of materials and methods contributes to the final message of the piece. Thanks for helping me unpack that! Curator: My pleasure! Considering the material conditions of art-making offers crucial insights.