Major Blom 1848

Curator: This is P.C. Skovgaard’s drawing of “Major Blom,” created in 1848. The piece, held here at the SMK, utilizes ink and printmaking techniques. It’s quite a striking portrait. Editor: My immediate reaction is to the subject’s aged, world-weary countenance. He’s gripping his coat as if warding off a chill, a tangible manifestation of perhaps internal discomfort, making one contemplate the weight of his experiences. Curator: I’d say that sentiment is likely correct; think about the era and the specific role the sitter occupies. As a Major, Blom would likely have been involved in various political and social issues. Editor: Exactly. What narratives might be intentionally, or unintentionally, embedded within the portrayal of this older military officer? His grip on his coat, that weary look, perhaps point to a crisis of masculinity or shifting power dynamics within Denmark at the time? This drawing challenges us to reconsider what societal norms may have affected people such as Major Blom. Curator: Skovgaard positions this within a larger art historical context too. The use of ink and print draws on historical traditions of portraiture designed for circulation within a specific social sphere. He emphasizes Blom's individuality, placing value on his particular contribution to Danish society. Editor: The way in which he utilizes a traditionally accessible technique to commemorate and celebrate individuality is quite compelling. Is it, in effect, a democratizing of representation, subtly subverting the traditional hierarchy of artistic subject and social status? What avenues might such works open for reconsidering other potentially marginalized identities of that time? Curator: That's a stimulating approach. Looking at the work within a framework of art's capacity for broader representation really shows Skovgaard's lasting impact, even within the confines of traditional portraiture. Editor: Precisely, the dialogue continues.