Blyantsrids af ansigter 1870 - 1873

This pencil drawing of faces was made by Wilhelm Marstrand, a Danish artist known for his genre paintings and historical scenes. In a time when the art academy in Copenhagen held sway over artistic styles and subject matter, Marstrand sought to challenge these norms through his art. His work, often portraying everyday life and historical events, engaged with the social structures of his time. By focusing on common people and relatable scenarios, Marstrand arguably democratized art, making it more accessible and relevant to a broader audience. To fully understand Marstrand's art, it is useful to look at historical documents such as letters between artists and exhibition reviews. These resources can reveal the institutional forces that shaped the art world in 19th-century Denmark. Only then can we appreciate the ways in which artists like Marstrand navigated and, at times, challenged the social and artistic conventions of their era.