Aftryk af blad 1833

Peter Larsen Kyhl made this leaf print sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It’s a photogenic drawing, an early photographic process in which an object is placed on light-sensitive paper and exposed to the sun. The print was made in Denmark at a time when art was becoming increasingly tied to national identity. Artists looked to nature for inspiration, reflecting a romantic ideal of the landscape. But science was important too: the image could also speak to the growing interest in botany and natural history. At the time the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts was very influential, emphasizing technical skill and the study of classical art. Kyhl didn't study at the Academy himself, but was taught privately, perhaps explaining his interest in more experimental practices. Understanding the work requires delving into the history of photography and printmaking. These new technologies were changing the way people saw and understood the world around them.