Jeppe kræver ridefogeden hængt 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand created this tiny pen and ink drawing, "Jeppe kræver ridefogeden hængt," now held at the SMK, using densely packed lines. The entire composition vibrates with the chaotic energy of a social gathering. We see figures arranged almost as in a theatrical tableau. Lines create textures, define shapes, and build up the dark tones of clothing and interiors against the stark whiteness of the paper. This contrast intensifies the dramatic tension of the scene, and the claustrophobic feel is enhanced by the cross-hatched walls. The artist manipulates line to express emotion and narrative. Through these formal techniques, the drawing not only depicts a scene but also conveys a sense of the social and psychological dynamics at play. The very act of drawing here becomes a critical tool, challenging viewers to decode the layers of meaning embedded in its structure.