Indgangen til kirkegården 1904

Sigvard Hansen made this print, ‘Indgangen til kirkegården’, using etching. Look at how the marks are made; it’s almost scribbly, like he’s drawing with acid. There’s a beautiful, soft quality to the snow, but also a sharpness to the gate and the bare branches. Notice how Hansen hasn’t blended the tones, instead, he uses these tiny, tiny marks to create a feeling of depth. I’m drawn to the contrast between the delicacy of the etching and the solemn subject matter. It feels like a memory, something fragile and fleeting. The overall effect reminds me of some of Whistler’s etchings. They both share this interest in capturing a mood, a sense of place, rather than a perfect representation. Ultimately, this piece invites us to reflect on the quiet moments in life, the beauty that can be found even in the face of mortality. It’s about looking closely and finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.