Landskab med sø 1869

'Landskab med sø' is a pencil drawing made by P.C. Skovgaard, sometime around 1869. Skovgaard, a key figure in the Danish Golden Age, was deeply invested in creating national landscapes during a period of burgeoning national identity. This sketch, part of a series from his travels, encapsulates the Danish countryside's serene beauty, but also reflects the cultural and political milieu of 19th-century Denmark. What does it mean to create a landscape in a country experiencing significant social and political changes? Skovgaard's landscapes weren't merely representations; they were active participants in shaping Denmark's self-image. In representing the land, Skovgaard's work promoted a sense of belonging and cultural pride. The almost melancholic rendering of the lake evokes a distinct emotional register. It's as if the landscape itself carries the weight and hope of a nation in transition, its identity reflected in the calm waters and distant horizons.