Karton til "Barselstuen" 1825 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand made this preparatory drawing, Karton til "Barselstuen", using drawing and possibly wash techniques with pen and brush, sometime before his death in 1873. The sepia-toned work offers a glimpse into the material world of 19th-century Denmark, depicting women gathered in a birthing room. The strokes of the pen and brush are clearly visible, mapping out the figures, furniture, and architectural details with efficiency. Marstrand has adopted traditional art materials - pen, ink, paper - and used them to record an intimate scene of domestic life. The drawing’s monochrome palette encourages focus on form and composition, on the weight of the gathered figures and the textures of their garments. The scene provides a window onto the social customs and labor surrounding childbirth. The arrangement of the composition directs our attention to the communal nature of the event. Marstrand’s drawing is of interest not only for its subject matter, but for the way it reminds us of the value of draftsmanship. It is a vital method that has historically underpinned so much artistic production, and which continues to be relevant today.