Stående Don Quixote og hest, der slikker sit bagben 1810 - 1873

This pencil drawing of Don Quixote and his horse was made by Wilhelm Marstrand in 19th century Denmark. Marstrand, a leading figure in the Danish Golden Age, often depicted scenes from literature and daily life, reflecting the cultural values of his time. The drawing depicts Don Quixote holding a sword, while his horse is occupied by licking its hindquarters. The image isn't a heroic portrayal of Quixote, but a humorous one, capturing the absurdity of his character. Consider the role of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts where Marstrand taught; it emphasized historical painting and national subjects, yet Marstrand often incorporated humor and genre scenes into his work, challenging these traditional expectations. To fully appreciate this drawing, consider how 19th-century Danish artists grappled with questions of national identity, the role of the individual, and the legacy of the Enlightenment. Art historians use a range of sources, from exhibition reviews to personal letters, to reconstruct the complex social and institutional contexts in which art is made and understood.