Amagerpige 1853

Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann made this pencil drawing, Amagerpige. It’s now held at the Statens Museum for Kunst. This artwork is a study of a woman from Amager, Denmark, and it raises questions about the representation of marginalized communities in art. Baumann made this sketch at a time of growing national romanticism, where there was an increased interest in local folk costumes and rural traditions. But rather than simply documenting the woman's dress, Baumann's delicate shading, and attention to the figure's facial expression might suggest that she aimed to create a more nuanced depiction of the sitter. Understanding this drawing requires us to consider the social and cultural context in which it was produced, and how it might have engaged with broader conversations about identity, representation, and cultural preservation. Art historians can use resources such as letters and exhibition reviews to delve into these questions.