Studier af forskellige fuglearter 1864 - 1941

Niels Larsen Stevns made this sketch of various bird species with graphite on paper. Stevns was painting at a time when modern art was still trying to find its place within Danish culture, and there was a struggle between the traditional art establishment and those who wanted to push boundaries. He was associated with the Funen Painters, who broke with the traditions of the Academy and focused on Realism and Naturalism. But while they painted rural scenes, Stevns turned to religious subjects. These studies of birds could relate to his interest in nature, or perhaps to a more spiritual feeling, as birds often appear as religious symbols. Like other artists of his generation, Stevns studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, so he would have been part of this institutional culture that promoted traditional art. To understand the role of Stevns in Danish art, you might compare his sketch to those of other artists, or look into the minutes and papers of the Academy. Examining art in its historical context gives us a clearer sense of its social meaning.