Christian IV i retten 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand created this sketch, "Christian IV i retten", using graphite on paper. The seeming simplicity of graphite belies its complex history. Sourced from mines, processed into usable form, and then encased in wood, the pencil is a potent symbol of industrialization. Marstrand’s rapid, assured strokes capture a moment of high drama. The quality of line is everything here; thin and tentative in areas of background, and bold where he wants to draw our eye. The artist uses the inherent qualities of the graphite’s darkness to direct our attention, and the paper's surface to create texture. Consider the social context of this drawing too. It is a study, a preparatory work before committing to the final painting. Drawings like this were exercises of skill, intended to demonstrate the artist's mastery and thus, his social standing. Here, the materials and making process underscore the artist's status as a skilled creator. By understanding these elements, we can appreciate the full depth of Marstrand's work, challenging any divisions between craft and fine art.