Odysseus flygter fra Polyfem 1812

Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg made this drawing around 1812, working with graphite and wash on paper. The monochromatic rendering gives the scene a stark, classical feel. Eckersberg has used the wash to create a sense of depth, the layering of light and shadow creating strong contrasts. The even, blended application is very skillful, but not particularly expressive in itself. The paper support is a key component, its absorbency allowing the artist to achieve subtle tonal variations. The drawing depicts a scene from Homer's Odyssey, where Odysseus escapes the cyclops Polyphemus by clinging to the underside of a sheep. We can see the textures of the sheep's wool rendered meticulously, the soft graphite lines building up a sense of volume and form. The drawing feels like an exercise in tonal control, rather than a comment on the Greek source material. Paying attention to materials, making, and context helps us appreciate the artistic practice and skill that goes into an artwork like this, pushing beyond traditional ways of viewing fine art.