Kunstnerens hustru, siddende helfigur, læsende i en avis 1810 - 1848

This sketch of the artist’s wife, made with graphite on paper by Christen Købke, invites us to consider the significance of everyday materials. The choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, speaks to the artist’s intention to capture a fleeting moment. Its capacity to be easily erased and reworked makes it perfect for a casual composition. The warm tone of the paper lends a sense of intimacy to the scene, as if we are peeking into a private moment. The marks are tentative yet confident, revealing the artist’s skill in conveying form and expression with minimal means. It’s tempting to ask whether Købke saw this more as a study than as a finished work in its own right. Either way, the sketch offers a window into the artist’s world and the world of his wife, inviting reflection on the materials that shape both art and life.