Boelgen 

Theodor Severin Kittelsen made this drawing, Boelgen, or "The Wave," in 1892 with graphite on paper. Graphite, seemingly simple, is a powerful tool for artists, and was crucial to the industrial revolution, used in pencils for technical drawing and design. Note the subtle gradations of tone Kittelsen achieves here, from the dark, almost smudged sky to the restless, energetic waves. The rapid strokes suggest a fleeting moment, a snapshot of nature's power. This drawing embodies a romantic sensibility, which finds beauty and awe in the natural world, but it also reflects the changing social landscape of the late 19th century. As industrialization transformed Norway, artists like Kittelsen turned to the landscape for inspiration and solace, seeking a connection to something timeless and untamed. By appreciating the artist’s chosen material and the marks they leave, we gain a deeper understanding of the artwork and its cultural significance.