Studier af en drikkende hest 1848

P.C. Skovgaard made this pencil sketch titled "Studies of a Drinking Horse" during the Danish Golden Age, a time of national romanticism, after Denmark was diminished in size, power, and wealth. The image depicts several sketches of a horse. The detailed lines and shading captures the horse's form and texture. These sketches represent an artistic approach to representing the natural world. Skovgaard, along with other artists of the time, saw the representation of the Danish landscape and Danish animals as a way to explore themes of national identity. He was a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and inspired many artists of this period. Understanding art requires an interdisciplinary approach that includes historical context, cultural values, and artistic practices. Researching primary sources from the period, along with Skovgaard’s biography and the institutional history of the Danish art world, can provide valuable insights.