Live Larsdatter 1870

This is C.C. Andersen’s ‘Live Larsdatter’, an etching rendered in a compact format. The image, primarily in monochrome, presents a portrait of a woman, notable for its intricate linework and textural detail. The composition centres on the figure, her form delineated through dense clusters of lines that define the contours of her clothing and facial features. Notice how the artist employs hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and volume, particularly in the folds of her dress and the shadows cast upon her face. The figure's hands, clasped in front of her, hold a set of keys, a potent symbol of authority and control. Andersen's use of line not only describes form but also communicates a sense of the sitter’s character. The slight asymmetry in her gaze and the careful attention to the texture of her garments suggest a concern with realism and the portrayal of individual identity. The keys in her hands invite us to consider the social and cultural structures that define her role and status. As such, the artist prompts a re-evaluation of historical portraiture and its ability to reflect lived experience.